MayawatiThe late Kanshi Ram may have been the soul of the Bahujan Samaj Party but it was Mayawati, his chosen heiress, who was its face. (born January 15, 1956) is a Indian politician and the current Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. She has been the Chief Minister on three other short-lived tenures but her party holds the absolute majority in the state on this occasion.Kumari Mayawati was born in Delhi. Her father Prabhu Das was a clerk in the telecommunications department in Delhi. Her mother is Ram Rati. She graduated from Kalindi College in Delhi and holds a Bachelor of Education degree, and was a teacher in Delhi (Inderpuri JJ Colony) until joining full time politics in 1984. At one point she also studied for the Indian Administrative Service examinations. However, after meeting Kanshi Ram in 1977, she gradually came under his patronage, and was part of his core team when he founded the BSP in 1984.In 1984, Kanshi Ram founded the BSP as a party to represent the Dalits, and Mayawati was one of the key people in the new organization. In 2001, Kanshi Ram named her as his successor.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Kathmandu, Sep 30 (IANS) Nepal’s debutant Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party (TMLP), which emerged as the fifth largest party in the April general election, has been able to wrest a major tax relief for Indian vehicle owners, especially transporters, plying along the border.

The TMLP, formed by former ministers and lawmakers from national parties to espouse the cause of Madhesis - people of Indian origin living in the Terai plains, paralysed the interim parliament Monday and relented only after Finance Minister Baburam Bhattarai agreed to withdraw the new cess imposed on Indian vehicles entering Nepal even for a very brief period.

Last year, the then finance minister Ram Sharan Mahat had waived tax on Indian vehicles that entered Nepal provided they returned within 24 hours. India also reciprocates the gesture for Nepali vehicles entering India for a day.

However, this month, the first Maoist budget unveiled by Bhattarai slashed the waiver, partly in a bid to raise funds for the ambitious budget and partly to regulate traffic in the border areas.

Soon after the diktat, protests erupted on the Indian side of the border, with the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of India’s Uttar Pradesh state and other Indian organisations demonstrating against it.

The TMLP took up cudgels on behalf of the protesters, obstructing the constituent assembly - Nepal’s interim parliament - and demanding that the decision be revoked.

Hridyesh Tripathi, a former minister and powerful Terai MP, said the tax would hit the passage of goods from India and would affect people living along the border, creating red tape and additional complexities.

Also, people living in the border areas have relatives in both countries and are wont to travel across the border for education, work and medical treatment oftener than travelling to Kathmandu.

Finally, the finance minister gave an undertaking in writing late in the evening, agreeing to withdraw the levy on Indian vehicles that entered Nepal only for a day.

Transporters on both sides of the border have also been complaining of lack of security and extortion by both security and customs officials as well as political parties.

‘No single pre-electoral alliance will have a clear cut majority and the worst losers will be the Left parties. While the Congress party will be able to hold on, its allies will be badly hit. Likewise, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will lose badly in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa,’ Yadav said at a seminar organised by the Kerala University’s political science department here.

‘It is only one way the tally of the Left will go and it will go down. From a historic high in the May 2004 polls, it would reach a historic low in the next polls. In Kerala, the performance of the Left will be poor,’ he said.

As far as the performance of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is concerned, the psephologist said it may not get the around 50-60 seats they are expecting to win.

‘But they will play an important role and a government can be formed only with the outside support of two big parties,’ Yadav said.

Yadav has been in Kerala for the past few days and is doing an in-depth study on the prospects of various political parties.

Online edition of India’s National NewspaperWednesday, Oct 01, 2008

Cyber cafes, phone booths under surveillance in U.P.

Asked to install CCTVs, keep a log of calls made from their numbers

Cops instructed to inspect these places regularly

People requested to guard against rumours

Allahabad: The recent spurt in terrorist activities and links connecting many of the suspects to Uttar Pradesh have brought cyber cafes and telephone booths across the State under police surveillance with the former asked to install CCTVs.

“Police officials across the State have received instructions from the Director General of Police to keep a tab on the cyber cafes and PCOs, which have become an integral part of modus operandi of terrorist groups,” Allahabad Zone Inspector General of Police Pramod Kumar Tiwari told PTI.

He said instructions to this effect were given by the DGP Vikram Singh last week after a meeting, headed by the Chief Minister Mayawati, called to discuss strategies to thwart any possible terrorist strikes in the State.

Uttar Pradesh has been hit by a number of terrorist attacks in places such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Lucknow and Gorakhpur, he said.

“As a part of the administration’s anti-terror mechanism, cyber cafes have been asked to install CCTVs to keep a record of visitors…Keeping a record of the names and other details of the users had been a practise earlier, though it turned out to be deficient as a person involved in a big conspiracy is unlikely to divulge his true identity,” Mr. Tiwari said.

“Besides, PCO owners have been asked to keep a log of calls made from their numbers. They have especially been directed to keep a record of overseas calls and make the details available to the police whenever required,” the IGP said.

“Directions to this effect have already been given to cyber cafes and PCOs owners. Police stations in-charges also have been instructed to regularly carry out inspections of cyber cafes and PCOs within their respective jurisdiction and ensure compliance with the directions and report any development that arouses suspicion,” he added.

The Inspector General of Police also said that cops were making special arrangements “to prevent subversive elements from fomenting communal tension during the upcoming festive season.”

“We have undertaken an extensive public awareness campaign in view of the festivals of Id, Durga Puja, Dussehra and Diwali. Our stress is on improving communication between police and public and on instilling a sense of confidence in the masses. People have also been requested to guard against rumours and report immediately to police whenever they come across any matter that threatens peace in their localities,” Tiwari added. — PTI

‘No single pre-electoral alliance will have a clear cut majority and the worst losers will be the Left parties. While the Congress party will be able to hold on, its allies will be badly hit. Likewise, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will lose badly in states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa,’ Yadav said at a seminar organised by the Kerala University’s political science department here.

‘It is only one way the tally of the Left will go and it will go down. From a historic high in the May 2004 polls, it would reach a historic low in the next polls. In Kerala, the performance of the Left will be poor,’ he said.

As far as the performance of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is concerned, the psephologist said it may not get the around 50-60 seats they are expecting to win.

‘But they will play an important role and a government can be formed only with the outside support of two big parties,’ Yadav said.

Yadav has been in Kerala for the past few days and is doing an in-depth study on the prospects of various political parties.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Wednesday agreed to send some of her MPs to join the protest called by Left parties in parliament Thursday, when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh meets US President George W. Bush. Left sources told IANS that it needed a lot of persuasion by Communist Party of […] … read more »

BSP to join Left protest in parliament, says Yechury

Wednesday, September 24, 2008 20:48 [IST]

New Delhi: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Wednesday agreed to send some of her MPs to join the protest called by Left parties in parliament Thursday, when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh meets US President George W. Bush.

Left sources told IANS that it needed a lot of persuasion by Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leaders for Mayawati to change her mind. She had earlier turned down an invite from the Left to join the protest.

“A joint protest of MPs of Left parties, BSP, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Janata Dal-Secular and others will be held in parliament Thursday from 12 noon,” CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury said in a statement.

Earlier, Mayawati refused to sign a joint statement issued Sep 19 by the Left parties, TDP and JD-S to observe a protest day Thursday. “The dharna to protest against the non-convening of parliament when the country is faced with serious developments such as the serial terrorist blasts, relentless price rise as well as the attacks against Christian minorities,”

Yechury said in the statement. “On the same day, Manmohan Singh will be meeting Bush in Washington to seal the nuclear deal, violating his assurance to come back to parliament before finalising the deal,” Yechury added.

PROTEST AGAINST THE ANTI-CHRISTIAN COMMUNAL ATTACKSOn 25-09-2008 at 11 am at Town Hall, Bangalore

People of Karnataka are known for peace and harmony, have been witnessing for the first time the most heinous ceimes and cowherdly acts perpetrated against Christians by Bajrang Dal supported by RSS Parivar including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party!

Statues of the Messenger of Peace is crucified once again by the communal bigots!

The nuns who always engage themselves in praying for the world peace in their secluded prayer halls are being dragged out and beaten brutally!

75 year old senior nun and children of 10-12 years too are not spared!

Walls and floors and roofs of the places of worship and school buildings are stained with the marks of blood spilled out from their bodies!

Those who came out to streets to protest these violent attacks have been lathi-charged by the police!

This communal aggression was started on Sep.14, 2008 and is still continuing un abated!

Why this hatred against Christians ?

The communal outfits such as Bajrang Dal and their leaders allege that the Christians are forcibbly convertinng the poor people. These so-called Hindu leaders have defended the attacks openly and also declared they would continue to support such attacks!

Look at thjeir audocity! How can they arrogate themselves the responsibility to protect Hinduism and authority to attack other religious followers?

Did the Indian Constitution gave them the authority to punish others by taking law into their own hands?

Are we living in the land governed by the civil government or hijacked by the goondas?What prompted these evil forces to raise their heads?

It is the BJP Govt. of Karnataka and its Chief Minister and Home Minister who are directly responsible for the communal carnage. If the Chief Minister declares in public that he would not ban Bajrang Dal and Sre Ramasena, then who can control such social criminals?And it is but naturalthe police officials under such Chief Minister behave like RSS activists!

It is now the part of history that the Uttar Pradesh, the country’s largest state, was engulfed in communal violenceduring the time of Babri Masgid demolition. Uttar Pradesh was the headquarters of RSS. But what has happened today there? Bajrang Dal, Vishva Hindu parishad and all such communal outfits are on their death bed today! Hoe it happened? It is the result of effective and powerful administration of Iron Lady Bahen Kumari Mayawati Ji! Whereas look at Karnataka which is thriving on Ventilators! The Chief Minister and Home Minister are themselves the senior activists of RSS who obediently follow orders of RSS! If this is the plight of Karnataka, who can save religious minorities, the original inhabtants of Jambudvipa, thet is the Great Prabuddha Bharath and the helpless poor?

There can be only one alternative. All the oppressed and deprived people must come together under the banner of Bahujan Samaj Party, the one and the only national party of SC/ST/OBC and Religious Minorities who are the Original Inhabitants of Jambudvipa, thet is the Great Prabuddha Bharath, to put an end to communalism and casteis. Please get out of manuvadi parties and petty organisations who believe in first, second, third , fourth and nth rate souls. They believe that they could do anything they wish to the people who have no souls.So join the biggest national party that never belives in soul but all are equal, under the leadership of Bahenji, the iron lady. As an effective stop in this direction, all the victims of communalism and casteism join this protest program on September 25th 2008

GB Atri, a former wing commander in the Indian Air Force and now the Brahmin face of the Bahujan Samaj Party in Karnataka, was of the view that the ‘level of patience in the society is coming down. Goondas (thugs) should not be allowed …

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
chief and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati has rejected the Left
parties’ call to join their stir Thursday, the day Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh is scheduled to meet President George W. Bush in
Washington.

‘We invited her for a joint stir on
Sep 25. But she told us that her party MPs would be busy that day with
some other engagements,’ a senior Left leader, who did not want to be
named, told IANS here Tuesday.

Mayawati’s
refusal indicates she may not join the Left leaders’ efforts to form a
‘viable third alternative’ to the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP) before the general elections next year.

Mayawati’s
refusal to go along with the Left parties reportedly came after the
Left parties, particularly Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M),
conveyed its unwillingness to contest the next general elections under
her leadership.

The
senior Left leader said there was a dispute within the Left parties on
Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary A.B. Bardhan’s
‘unilateral’ announcement that ‘the third alternative’ would face
elections under Mayawati’s leadership.

‘When
comrade Bardhan unilaterally announced that the third front would face
elections under the leadership of Mayawati, many of us were stunned,’
he said.

The Left parties discussed the matter and rejected Bardhan’s announcement, he said.

The
Left parties, Deve Gowda’s Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) and Telugu Desam
Party (TDP), the lone member of the United National Progressive
Alliance (UNPA), would stage protest Sep 25.

They will protests the India-US nuclear deal and the Manmohan Singh government’s foreign policy.

Moreover,
the relations between the BSP and the Left parties are reportedly
strained after Mayawati said she would not allocate a single seat to
the Left parties in Uttar Pradesh in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

G.B. Atri, a former wing commander in the Indian Air Force and now the
Brahmin face of the Bahujan Samaj Party in Karnataka, was of the view
that the ‘level of patience in the society is coming down. Goondas
(thugs) should not be allowed a free hand’.

Online edition of India’s National NewspaperThursday, Sep 25, 2008

Crush terror but hands off innocents: Mayawati

Special Correspondent

U.P. Chief Minister’s direction to police and district officials

Photo: Subir Roy

Taking stock: U.P. Chief Minister Mayawati

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Monday directed
the police and district officials to strictly enforce the anti-terror
mechanism. She, however, cautioned the officials against taking action
against innocent persons.

The security agencies should have enough evidence before suspects were hauled up.

A terrorist did not belong to any religion or caste; he was, in
fact, a threat to society. As such, action should be taken purely on
the merit of the case and no other factor should be taken into
consideration, she said.

The Chief Minister, who reviewed the law and order situation in the
State in the light of the recent arrests of suspected terrorists
hailing from the State, stressed proper implementation of her
directives in her nearly three-hour address to district magistrates,
Senior Superintendents of Police, DIGs, IGs and senior government
officials. Under no circumstances should the officers succumb to
pressure from the “top” — the Cabinet Secretary, the Chief Secretary or
the Director-General of Police — while handling a case.

In a clear departure from the past, the district officials were
allowed to speak directly to the Chief Minister directly on the phone
should an issue which required her immediate attention arise.

Ms. Mayawati warned the officials of strict action if her directives were not followed.

On the simultaneous need to curb communalism, the Chief Minister
said there should be no “balancing act” in handling a situation fraught
with the possibility of a communal riot.

Only the guilty should be arrested, and trivial issues, which could lead to communal violence, should be nipped in the bud.

Vijay Shankar Pandey, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister,
told journalists that orders were issued to district police officials
to convene a meeting of the police station in-charge, circle officers
and ASPs within the next three days to explain to them Ms. Mayawati’s
directives.

Do not look at Muslims suspiciously: Mayawati

Atiq Khan

U.P. Chief Minister alleges that Christians are feeling insecure in
BJP-ruled States

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati on Sunday derided the attempts to target Muslims in the name of terrorism.

The community should not be held responsible for the recent terrors
acts in Delhi and elsewhere, she said at a press conference.

The Muslims in the State were being looked upon with suspicion. The
community should not be harassed on the basis of a dubious
(intelligence) report.

While reiterating her resolve to end terrorism in the State, if full
cooperation was extended to the State government by the Centre, she
warned the officials that strict action would be taken if she received
complaints of harassment of innocent persons belonging to the minority
community or any other caste.

Ms. Mayawati also took up the cause of Christians. They were feeling
insecure in the BJP-ruled States, she alleged. Referring to the
incidents in Orissa, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, she said it showed
that the communal forces had become strong.

Disrepute

Accusing the Centre of playing politics on the issue, Ms. Mayawati
demanded the UPA government to exercise a tight leash on the activities
of the outfits aligned with the BJP, as well as other organisations, in
a bid to maintain communal harmony.

The Chief Minister, who has called a meeting here on Monday for
discussing the law and order scenario in the background of the recent
incidents and terror-links with U.P., said the Samajwadi Party regime
had brought disrepute to the State, vis-À-vis terrorist activities.

Terrorist activities in U.P. started with the Sankat Mochan bomb
blast followed by the Ayodhya incident and the blast in the Shramjeevi
Express, all under the SP regime. Ms. Mayawati was of the view that had
the SP government crushed terrorism, U.P. would not have earned a bad
name.

Police praised

Compared to the previous regime, priority was accorded to the rule
of law, she said and lauded the police for nabbing the accused named in
the attack on the Rampur Group Centre of CRPF and the Indian Institute
of Science, Bangalore. The Anti-Terrorist Squad recently arrested an
ISI agent in Bahraich.

The Chief Minister further referred to the arrest of Abu Bashar,
main suspect in the Ahmedabad serial blasts, on August 16, 2008 and
Shahbaz Husain, suspect in the Jaipur serial bomb blasts here on August
25, 2008, by the State police. On July 25, 2008, the Special Task Force
took the lid off the fake currency racket in the State.

“This Industrial cell will be headed by an official of DySP rank.
The officers engaged in this cell will solely be responsible for
industrial issues,” SSP R. K. Chaturvedi said.

“Police does not get training to handle industrial disputes which
are of very different nature from the normal law and order situations
that we are accustomed to handle. We will set this cell by the month
end,” he added.

Mr.Chaturvedi admitted that there were some mistakes in the
handling of the Sunday’s incident in which Graziano Trasmissioni Indian
CEO was killed.

14 September 2008By Vicky(Vicky) Ten members of Bahujan Samaj Party
were the first to turn up at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to donate blood
for the victims and help the families to locate their missing members.

Meditation at Global Pagoda

From:

“vinaya rakkhita”

DEVOTION IN BUDDHISM

The
devout Buddhists life is one in which they devote themselves to the
teaching and the Teacher. Apart from the teachings they also follow
certain traditional and devotional practices, which may or may not be
consistent with the teaching. Yet it is their way of expression of
love, respect, regard and gratitude to the All Compassionate
Teacher-The Buddha without whom they would not have found the solace
and the Noble eight-fold path-The way out of suffering.

In
the earliest period in the avsence of images of Buddha or Bodhisattvas,
reverence was paid mainly to relics, ie stupas, Bodhi trees, footprints
of Buddha and other sacred symbols. These were constantly represented
in the sculptures against a background of beautifully carved figures of
men or animals. The commencement of the second period of Buddhist
religious art in India is associated with the district of Gandhara in
the far north of Indian subcontinent. The characteristic feature of
this phase of Buddhism is that the figure of Buddha came to occupy the
cells. Gandhara created the conventional type of Buddha, which soon
spread from this part to other parts of Asia.

Buddha
in the Anguttara Nikaya says, ” When a noble disciple contemplates upon
the Enlightened One, at that time his mind is not enrapped in lust nor
in hatred, nor in delusion. At such a time his mind is rightly
directed, it has got rid of lust, is aloof from it, and is free from
it. Lust is here name of the five sense desires. By cultivating this
contemplation, many beings become purified”.

Furthur
the Vissuddhimagga says ” If by practicing this devotional meditation
one endeavours to live as it were in the Master’s presence, will feel
ashamed to do or speak or think anything unworthy, one will shrink back
from evil; and as a positive reaction one will feel inspired to high
endeavour, in emulation of the Master’s great example”.

The
devotees during the days when Buddha was alive went to meet Him and pay
their respect. But in the absence of the Buddha, the devotees who used
to bring flowers lay them at the entrance of the fragrant chamber of
Buddha and departed. The chief lay devotee Anathapindaka came to hear
of it and requested Venerable Ananda to inquire of the Buddha whether
there was a possibility of finding a place where devotees might pay
obeisance to the Buddha when He was on His teaching tours.

So
Venerable Ananda approached the Buddha and asked: “Is it proper,
Blessed One, to construct a cetiya (stupa) while you are alive?” The
Buddha replied “No, an object of reverence appertaining to body is
proper to errect only after the passing away of Buddha. An object of
reverence reminiscent of the Buddha has no physical basis; it is purely
mental. But the great Bodhi tree, used by the Buddha, whether He is
alive or dead, is an object of reverence.” Then Venerable Ananda said,
“Blessed One, when you go on your teaching tours, the monastery of
Jetavana is without refuge, and people find no place of reverence. So
may i bring a seed of Bodhi tree under which you got Enlightenment and
plant it at the enterance to Jetavana?” Buddha replied “Very well,
Ananda plant it. It will then be as if I constantly abide in Jetevana.”
This tree, which sprang up, came to be known as Ananda Bodhi tree.

It
is keeping with the practical wisdom and organising genius of the
Buddha, that while during his life time he discouraged any form of idol
worship, nevertheless realized that in order to provide the laity with
some object and symbol of veneration some concession had to be made to
the simple faith of the devout and earnest. Hence he permitted to pay
respect and regard to the Bodhi tree as a symbol of his enlightenment.

Finaly
before His passing away in the Mahaparinibbana Sutta He addressed
Ananda saying, “there are four places the sight of which should arouse
emotion in the faithful”. Which are they? “Here the Tathagata was born”
(Lumbini) is the first. “Here the Tathagata attained Supreme
Enlightenment” (Bodhgaya) is the second. “Here the Tathagata set in
motion the wheel of Dhamma” (Saranath) is the third. “Here the
Tathagata attained the Nibbana without remainder” (Kusinara) is the
fourth. And Ananda, the faithful monks and nuns, male and female
lay-followers will visit those places. Anyone who dies while making the
pilgrimage to these shrines with a devout heart will, at the
breaking-up of body after death, will be born in heavenly world.”

Thus
there came to be establishment after the Buddha’s passing away, the
traditional places of reverent worship to which hundreds of millions of
human beings to this day pay their homage, adoration and gratitude to
that exalted being who showed to so many the way out of the darkness,
misery and despair of earthly existance.

Vandaami cetiyam sabbam – I venerate all relic stupas

Sabbathanesu patitthitam – Wherever they are established

Saririka dhaatu Mahaabodhim – Bodily relics, Great Bodhi tree

Buddharupam sakalamsadaa – Images of Buddha always

with metta,

Bhanteji

Dear Milind,

Thanks
for the information you have given. Now if you know history Buddhism is
the world’s first organized missionary religion. It is the only Indian
religion to become world religion. The whole of India for outsiders is
known as land of Buddha .

Buddha
is the only Guru to be Jagat Guru (world teacher). So how can the land
given to pagoda and where Buddha’s relics are enshrined be illegal.

Yes
Lands have always been in dispute and they will remain like Tirupati,
Shabrimalai, Jaganath puri, Buddha Gaya etc. which have been occupied
by others. So do people so called dalits or other Indians stop going
there? Most of the Indians are Hinduvadi, christianvadi, muslimvadi,
dalitvadi etc. If now some do something for Buddha and become to that
extend Buddhavadi what is wrong in it.

Most of our people (not
all) in name of Ambedkarite buddhists are fighting in viharas to become
President, secretary but do not fulfill the duties of Upasak, Upasika,
or Dayak, Dayika. The monk’s affairs are no better. You being in
Maharastra know very well. The RPI is broken the BSI is broken the
educated are broken so should we say that the term dalit which means
broken people really fits them. Can these people then be called
Buddhists.

Thus let us not go into
negativities but see the practical work on the ground. Poverty and
Defilements have always been there and they will be there what makes
the difference is the Buddha, Dhamma, Sangha, and the structures
dedicated to them to inspire and guide us for the practice of noble
eight fold path. Babasaheb Ambedkar himself wanted such huge Buddhist
structures in the major cites to inspire humanity. So
let us not find excuses or other negative reasons for not attending our
own Indian Buddhist Meditation Centers. Thus finally I repeat the pali
verse:

Vandaami cetiyam sabbam – I venerate all relic stupas

Sabbathanesu patitthitam – Wherever they are established

Saririka dhaatu Mahaabodhim – Bodily relics, Great Bodhi tree

Buddharupam sakalamsadaa – Images of Buddha always

with metta,

Bhanteji

Idol worship is not an ideal Buddhist practice yet it inspires the humanity. Cultural programmes, Rituals
like offering fruits, food, robes and flowers this is not spiritual but
yet the way of faithful to express their gratitude and develop positive
and pious attitude. To some extend the act of bowing before Buddha
statue is a practice to break one ego so that later on he can bow to
parents, elders ,teachers, and Monks. Through rituality one enters
spirituality and through spirituality one enters the actuality.

Propagation
of whatever religion must be on the bases of rituality ,sincerity and
finally leading to reality. Not of trickery, boastfulness, blustering
and insult which are the practices of barbarians.

A mere
theoretical or academic knowledge of dhamma, no matter how deep or
profound, is no substitute at all, for the realization comes through
actual practice of dhamma. Here applies the principle of ‘Learning by
doing”. There are only two rules for the successful spiritual practice:
“Start and keep moving” and in this moving only is reaching. This is
the teaching. The start is through ritual to develop saddha or so
called devotion.

Dr.Ambedkar
said: “When our father recited the devotional songs of kabir and other
saints the atmosphere was filled with holiness and seriousness,
following him, when my sisters also started singing bajans in their
sweet voice, I felt convinced that the religion and the religious
instruction were essential for the man’s life”.

Bhajan
is also a ritual like chanting though it may not be that enchanting.
For beginners and childrens saddha (devotion) is developed through
rituals.

Saddha
has spiritual dimension. It does not expect anything in return nor
bargains in the name of prayer. Saddha is something out of which one
respects the other to express gratitude and gratefulness remembering
the qualities and service of that person to humanity. This gratefulness
and gratitude is the moving element of saddha but its essential element
is Trust that becomes more and more confident as one progress in study,
practice and realization, till at last, it becomes the supreme
unshakeable assurance of the one who knows- A Arahant.

Though
not all but most of the Indian Buddhists think that they don’t need
saddha-devotion but only wisdom and that has lead them to arrogance and
lack of etiquette, manners and culture. Wisdom with out saddha is like
eyes without legs and thus one cannot progress on the path to
liberation. Buddha himself has said in Kasibharadvaja sutta:

Saddha Bijjam – Devotion is seed

Tapo Vutti – Striving is rain &

Panya me yuganangalam- Wisdom is my yoke & plough.

When it is so with Buddha what to speak of his followers Can they deny Saddha-Devotion.

But we
find many (not all) Ambedkarite people who do not devote through their
body speech and thought to Buddha Dhamma Sangha and shrines or
Meditation centers built in the name of Buddha. On the other hand find
tactical and lame excuses for not doing so. May be because this the
first or second generation that has come in contact for the first time
with religions or religious practices. We expect at least the third
generation wont lack in this devotion to Buddha Dhamma and Sangha for
their own good for their own happiness.

In Alavaka Sutta we find the following statement of Buddha on devotion.

Saddhidha vittam purisassasettham – In this world devotion is the best wealth to man.

And

Saddhaya tarati ogam – with devotion one crosses the current (tides).

So finally I would like to say that without devotion there cannot be any promotion on the path to liberation.

14 September 2008By Vicky(Vicky) Ten members of Bahujan Samaj Party were the first to turn up at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital to donate blood for the victims and help the families to locate their missing members.

2009 Indian General Election

The 15th Lok Sabha Election of India is scheduled to be held by the
month of May 2009. The maximum strength of Lok Sabha or the lower house
of the Indian Parliament is 552, comprising 530 members who represent
the States, up to 20 members who stand for the Union Territories and
not more than 2 members from the Anglo-Indian Community who are
nominated by the President.

The India Election 2009
will be contested on new constituency boundaries for the first time in
over 30 years and the change was implemented on the findings of the
Delimitation Commission.

Some of the major changes include merging of areas of various
constituencies to eradicate population inconsistencies between
different seats and reservation and de-reservation of seats. But, for
the time being, the Government of India has postponed delimitation in
the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Jharkhand, Manipur and
Nagaland.

Assam Parliamentary Constituencies

Uttar Pradesh power plant trespasser held, terror link suspected

Lucknow, Sep 14 (IANS) A youth who trespassed into the National
Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Unchahar plant in Rae Bareli district
has been arrested and is being interrogated by officials of the
intelligence department and the local police who do not rule out terror
links.The suspect, whose I-card mentioned his name as Aftab Ansari, was
nabbed Saturday evening by officials deployed for the plant’s security.

“We have also recovered a list of mobile phone numbers from his
possession,” superintendent of police, Rae Bareli, Tarun Gaba told IANS.

“His I-card mentioned that he was a member of the Muslim United
Front (MUF), Bhagalpur, Bihar, and a letterhead of the same
organisation was also recovered from him,” Gaba said.

“We have contacted the police of Bhagalpur district and are awaiting further information,” Gaba added.

The police have not ruled out possibilities of his having terror
links and Ansari is being interrogated by officials of the intelligence
department besides the local police, he said.

“He is changing his name quite often during interrogation and
revealed that he boarded a goods train entering the plant to trespass
inside the premises,” Gaba said.

High alert sounded in Uttar Pradesh following Delhi blasts

Lucknow, Sep 13 (IANS) A high alert was sounded Saturday by the
Uttar Pradesh government following six serial blasts in Delhi in which
at least nine people were killed and over 80 injured, a police official
said here.All the district superintendents of police have been directed
to beef up security in important markets, bus stations, railway
stations, shopping malls and other crowded places, said an official at
the director general of police office.

Special directives have been issued to step up security in religious
cities of the state, including Varanasi, Ayodhya and Mathura.

In Lucknow, the police have begin intensified checking at malls and markets in Gomti Nagar and Hazratganj area.

High alert sounded in Uttar Pradesh following Delhi blasts

LUCKNOW:
A high alert was sounded on Saturday by the Uttar Pradesh government following
six serial blasts in Delhi in which at least nine people were killed and over 80
injured, a police official said here.

All the district
superintendents of police have been directed to beef up security in important
markets, bus stations, railway stations, shopping malls and other crowded
places, said an official at the director general of police office.

Special directives have been
issued to step up security in religious cities of the state, including Varanasi,
Ayodhya and Mathura. In Lucknow, the police have begin intensified checking at
malls and markets in Gomti Nagar and Hazratganj area.

Dr. Ambedkar- Man of the Millennium

“vinaya rakkhita”

Very well said Dr. Ambedkar is indeed “Man of the Millennium”,
Dr.B.R.Ambedkar was the purest ore of character produced from the
hottest furnace of striving (struggle). He was the brightest
thunderbolt of intellect elicited from the darkest storm of castism.

Kindly go through my research-prone article with innovative information which proves Dr. Ambedkar is the Man of the Millennium.

Recently, I heard Oxford University made a survey of 1000
personalists of the world hitherto. There are 4 personalists from India
included . They are 1. Buddha 2. Mahavira 3. Ashoka 4. Dr. Babasaheb
Ambedkar.

Ealier in book “100 personalists of the world” where 3 were Indians i.e. first 3 as stated i.e. Buddha, Mahavira and Ashoka.

In view of the above facts, Dr. Ambedkar was alone from
India subsequently included in 1000 personalists of the world. This
fact can assures that Dr. Ambedkar is indeed “Man of the Millennium”, for we all Indian must boost with proud.

“All patriots gave SKELETON of Independence, but Dr. Ambedkar injected LIFE in the SKELETON. Hence he is the real patriot.

During independence Nehru, Gandhi and their Congress had
every thing (material), wealth, and what not! except WISDOM. But Dr.
Ambedkar had nothing i.e. material, wealth etc but HE WAS SAMSON OF
WISDOM.

Admond Burkey said, “Freedom can be given easily, but not wisdom”.
It was the prudence of Nehru, Gandhi and their Congress syndicate that
they had called Dr. Ambedkar to write the constitution to save
subsequent India, or else, we every Indian would have life of Talibani
that on every shoulder we would have seen rifle. You can see that real
episode of penultimate night of Mr. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto that he had
admired Dr. Ambedkar because of his extraordinary wisdom which could
give India the best constitution in the world. Please read the episode
in my following article….. ….

Regards

C.C.Hadke

Chakradhar Hadke wrote:

DR. B.R.AMBEDKAR- “MAN OF THE MILLENNIUM”

I
must mention that I am cocksure about Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is “MAN OF
THE MILLENNIUM”, for I would like to authenticate. . (Ref:– Excerpts
from eminent writer, philosopher, social worker and advocate Ayu.
Kakde, from Vashi, had delivered a lecture at New Panvel, on eve of
Ramjibaba’s death anniversary) . ColumbiaUniversity
conducted prolong survey/study and selected 64 eminent scholars who had
graduated from the university for last 250 years and about their
subsequent contribution to humankind in their respective countries..
Yes, I busted and overwhelmed with tear of joy that, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar
stood first. So is the authentication and glaring fact that Dr.
Babasaheb Ambedkar is “MAN OF THE MILLENNIUM”, I bet for.

He
was indeed, Samson of Intellect (Ref.: Untouchable to Dalit.: by Dr.
Eleanor Zelliet, The prestigious Doctorate was conferred on her on
subject : Dr.Ambedkar’s life and mission),one of the
sixth best brains in world, of course the first best brain in India and
the proven Voltaire of India with towering personality that every
Indian must proud of him, keeping aside any caste based prejudices.
Again one more incidence I would like to authenticate, i.e. During
dilemma that who is the president of America either Bush or his counterpart as both of them had equal votes. Entire America so-called intelligentAmerica could not resolve the dilemma. Finally, American government sought opinion from Indian government through The Constitution of India for resolving the dilemma. There was a great craze in entire world and also America
became a laughing stock as they were totally helpless. Indian
government sent a detailed report about provisions for Indian
Constitution pertaining to resolve the American dilemma. Yes, after
thorough study of provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India, finally the verdict went to the current President of America
– George Bush. Isn’t it a miracle of our Indian Constitution? But,
alas! BSO media did not give coverage to this incidence.. Isn’t it a
miracle that 100 Crore people (with innumerable diversities in their
middle) couldn’t get isolated since it’s inception i.e. for more than
56 years (since independence) ? Even Khalisthan could not get isolated
though they tried very hard. I would like to state here how
weighty/mighty is the literature of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.

Dr. Gail Omvedt (hail from America having wealthy background) is the professor of Sociology at remote place –Kasegaon , Sangli. She all the way came from America and done Ph.D. on Dr. Ambedkar’s life and mission from the hostile (to Bahujan) city Poona.
She has an incredible command on Marathi. She married with Dr.Patankar
(Maharastrian) . Why is she staying there in such a remote place of
Sangli district? Was she mad that she didn’t opt America and royal and Hi-Fi life there? No, certainly not! She has dedicated her life
for knowledge ocean of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar
and the Buddha. So, are the genuine and powerful philosophies of Dr.
Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Buddha, which are sure road to smile of
mankind on the earth. There is no parallel to these philosophies.

“That in order to make a thought,in
order to induce every party, every section in this country, it would be
an act of greatest statesmanship for the majority party. even to make a
concession to the prejudices of people who are not prepared to march
together and it is for that, that I propose to make this appeal. Let us
leave aside slogans, let us even make a concession to the prejudices of
our opponents, bring them in, so that they may willingly join with us,
on marching upon that road, which as I said, if we walk long enough,
must necessarily lead us to unity.” (Reference to the above quotation.:
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Parliament Speech, 17th December
1946, I possess this speech’s CD in “Immortal Voice of Dr.
B.R.Ambedkar” ), which attributed the Congress Party to compel them and
thought that without Dr. Ambedkar (Samson of intellect) Independent
India’s future would be bleak because as per British – Freedom can be
given easily, but it is too difficult to run the administration of a
conflictingcountry
like India. It requires high level wisdom which cannot be compared with
freedom. i.e. Freedom can be given easily but not wisdom. If we
contemplate today on realization. Dr. Ambedkar has really saved India
by giving excellent Constitution, democratic norms, which attributed toIndia
bind together since 1947 disregard to multiple diversity. This is
indeed a miracle, which one may believe or not. Whereas, you see, Pakistan
had to face 3 times autocracy by way of military regime. This is
attributed to weak constitution or no constitution or constitution of
vested interests. I would like authenticate with a very important
incidence of penultimate day of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Former Prime
Minister of Pakistan). This statement was published in Dalit Voice, Editor column, by Ayu. Dr. Ashok Adhav, eminent writer from Poona. Next day Mr. Buttohad
to be hanged as per verdict of Military ruler general Zia-Ul-Haq. Mr.
Butto stated with great remorse that he was going to hang because of
military regime. During 1947 Muslim got Pakistan and Hindu got India. Of course we got Pakistan as a freedom; but alas! the wisdom went to India
by way of Intellectual Giant Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Dr. Ambedkar had
repeatedly requested Mr. Mahammad Ali Jina that not to ask separate Pakistan.
But, his warning was ignored by Jina. Because Dr.Ambedkar was fully
aware as he was fore-visionary. Freedom can get easily, but to run
administration, formulation of democratic Constitution and other such
related matters require Wisdom and the Wisdom cannot get easily.
Pakistani leaders didn’t have towering wisdom, which Dr.Ambedkar knew.
Well, Muslim got Pakistan, but because of lack of wisdom, the constitution of Pakistan was weak having innumerable loopholes in it. Having been so,subsequently Mr. Bhutto lamented that Pakistan had two military regimes viz. Yahya Khan and Zia-Ul-Haq. In case of autocracy king is like lion and people (praja)
is like lamb. Lion can take any lamb and eat. And so is my
(Mr.Bhutto’s) case that I had to hang in form of retaliation. He
praised India and its excellent Democratic Constitution written by the
Intellectual Giant, one of the greatest Humanists, well equipped with
towering wisdom – Dr.B.R.Ambedkar. As such, despite multiple
divergences, creation of military regime in India was well arrested, which was attributed to the Constitution of India. So were Mr. Bhutto’s remorse, lament, and regret, as his Pakistan could not have or producedIntellectual Giant like Dr. B.R.Ambedkar. “Indeed!
Freedom can be given easily; but not wisdom.” Mr. Gandhi, Nehru and his
their Congress think-tanks had everything (material); but not towering
intellect. Whereas, Dr. B.R.Ambedkar had nothing, but he had a towering
intellect. His towering intellect had ultimately triumphed and as such
we Indian could avert military regime (autocracy) in this country.

Dr.
Ambedkar in London Museum also authenticates about his Himalayan’s
mammoth personality and undoubted “Man Of The Millennium”. The event as
described by Hon’ble V.T.Rajshekar as follows:

Dr. Ambedkar in LondonMuseum.

(Ref : Dalit Voice, 1-15 June, 2005, Back cover page.)

The great news for our Dalit Voice family members about the Himalayan heights reached by the Father of India, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. During our 17- day stay in London (from April 20 to May 5), we visited the world famous BritishMuseum (built in 1753) and were overjoyed to see his Writings and Speeches at the very entrance to the Library.

BritishMuseum is an important landmark of London. Karl Marx wrote all his volumes sitting in its library. Babasaheb during his study in London
used to be the first to get into the library and the last to get out.
Many a time he was reminded twice or thrice by the librarian. Such was
his appetite for books.

We
went through the printed list of “Notable Holders of Readers Tickets”
displayed at the entrance but fount not a single Indian name except
that of M.A.Jinnah. Babasaheb’s name was not there because the books in
the BritishMuseum were shifted to the nearby British Library before Babasaheb arrived in London. Karl Marx was a member of the library for 30 years. The BritishMuseum has
hardly any books now.

BritishMuseum in the world’s most famous Museum. The Library section of the Museum was opened in 1857.

Babasaheb’s
portrait and books are kept on the right hand side as we enter the
circular library. They are kept along with the works of such luminaries
like Karl Marx, Lenin, Barnard Shaw and other greatest intellectual
giants of the world. We asked for M.K.Gandhi’s books and the librarian
said they had none. Gandhi wrote no book except his own autobiography.

Dr. Ambedkar, his intellectual and political achievements are well known to all the intellectuals we met at Cambridge and Oxford Universities. LondonSchool of Economics and other places. India has not produced an intellectual giant of his stature after “independence” .

Dr.Ambdekar injected LIFE in the skeleton of independence

Gandhi, Nehru and other patriots gave skeleton of independence; but Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had infused/injected LIFE in it, for one may believe or not (Ref: Jai Bhim Weekly, 17/04/05, Marathi Periodical from Nagpur, author: Tarachand Khandekar) . This is because of incredible Constitution of India, we the 1 billion Indians are united under the Constitution of India. Many attempted to split up, but remained futile as no part of India have so far been split up since more than 5
decade. Isn’t it a miracle? Whereas, Pakistan
had 3 times military rule, where king is like lion and people are like
lamb. Having been so, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (Former PM of Pakisthan) was
hanged by military ruler General Zia-Ul-Haq.

Indeed,
Dr. B.R.Ambedkar had really injected life in the skeleton of the
independence. He was “Samson of Intellect” and world treats him as “One
of the 6 best brains of the world hitherto”. “Freedom can be given
easily (as Pakistan got it), but wisdom cannot.” Indeed, he saved India by way of his incredible treatise – The Constitution of India. It is just like Gulliver (Dr.Ambedkar) saved Lilliputians (people) of India,
aftermath of independence and hitherto (Since 58 years). Dr. Ambedkar
had stated, “As long as our parliamentary democracy is alive, our
country will remain safe.” It is the tragedy of Indians generally BSO
don’t accept it. Why BSO generally don’t accept the Constitution? This
is because: “There is no place in the Constitution for Hinduism,
casteism, inequality and also no place to convert GENTLEMAN into WILD BEING (Haiwaan). Hence BSO ever oppose the Constitution.” Also, it is necessary to reiterate, “World marches towards knowledge, competence, skill, ability and worth; whereas India marches towards Caste system. In caste system, man’s worth is
determined on the basis of birth and it is strictly followed by arresting Bahujans to progress by means of tools - Sam, Dam, Dand, Bhed
and other such hatred and conspire-prone strategies. BSO ever intervene
in the field of life of Bahujans by denying or not implementing
statutory reservations as enshrined in the Constitution of India.

It is a great co-incidence in the world history that a man (Dr.Ambedkar) has written MORAL book – BUDDHA AND HIS DHAMMA & LEGAL book – THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA. This is incomparable and unique example that never find in world history hitherto.

Dr. Ambedkar was entitled as Samson of Intellect, the Greatest Humanist of India ever produced. He is one of the 6th (incomparable) best brains of the world hitherto. He is Proven Voltaire of India.
He is Gulliver of Lilliputian- India and other such world level
titles/honors are in his credit. Having been so, with his incredible
Herculean tasks and his mammoth, weighty & towering personality,
Dr. B.R.Ambedkar indeed stands as “MAN OF THE MILLENNIUM,” for I
(author) cocksure about it. In this regard, I (author) am prepared to
stand correct, if it is shown by somebody that I am wrong.

An eminent fighter David Lloid George stated in his speech on March 29, 1915, “We are fighting with Germany, Austria and drink and as far as I can see the greatest of these deadly foes is drink. (Ref.: Book: Quotation from the Great
Masters).

In
view of the above, we can realize that how the Buddha is the Greatest
ever by giving one of the doctrines of Pancha-Sheel, before 2500 years
ago, i.e. refrain from drink or any kind of intoxication.
All teachings of Buddha emphasized in killing the enemy within self
without any external means i.e. god, soul and anything supernatural.
Any individual who tread on path of Buddha becomes perfect human being.
Therefore, Dr. Ambedkar stated in his speech at Khatmandu (countering
Karl Marx’s philosophy),” If we all become as one-tenth enlightened as
the Buddha was, we can bring about the change with Dhamma –happiness,
peace, justice and goodwill.”(I, the author, has this Khatmandu
Speech’s audio recorded CD in immortal voice of Dr. B.R.Ambedkar) .

I believe that there exists human science in the world for converting animal man into gentle man/virtuous man
and those who follow and implement human science i.e. living philosophy
tend to lead to happiness and peace. Thomas Alva Edison invented bulb,
which nobody can deny the scientific invention on seeing bulb’s light.
The scientific invention (in material science) is
universal. Similarly, Buddha’s doctrines i.e. Trisaran, Four Noble
truths, Pancha-Sheel, Noble Eight fold path, Ten fold path (Noble ten
Parimitas) and other entire teachings of the Buddha, are nothing but
inventions in the field of human science as the Buddha is the greatest Human Scientist ever lived on the earth by giving living
philosophy
to the world. Though there exists as many as around 300 religions in
the world, but Buddha’s doctrines are incomparable because other than
the Buddha gave more or less speculative philosophy. In
long roll of time i.e. 2500 years, the Buddha’s doctrines still remain
unchanged, despite man entered into Hi-Fi jet age, computer age and
information age, scientific and technological advancement is at its
pinnacle hight. “This is because Buddha’s Dhamma is convincingly honest as it

There is no patriot like Dr.B.R.Ambedkar. He is the one who gave India
the world’s best constitution. It is because of his patriotism that he
embraced Buddhism. If he would have taken to Christianity, India would
have contined to be a slave country. If he had taken Islam. India would
have been another Pakistan and all Hindus would have been in
‘Khabaristan’ (Graveyard). If he would have taken communism, India
would have been in mess of Naxalism and Terrorism. Today whatever
liberal Hinduism we see it is because of Dr. B.R.Ambedkar’ s
constitution and not because of Hindu Scriptures.

Yet
these castist Hindus don’t appriciate Babsahebs wisdom and patriotism
and ofcourse how can the Traitors appriciate the noble persons and
nobel quality called patriotism.

It
is said that this very Hin (low) mentality and Dusht (evil) actions
that has lead to this term called Hindus (Hin + dusht = Hindus).

Here
is the extract from the speech prepared by Dr.B.R.Ambedkar for the 1936
Annual Conference of the Jat-Pat-Todak- Mandal of Lahore but not
delivered owning to the cancellation of the conference by the reception
committee on the ground that the views expressed in the speech would be
unbearable to the conference and it is very strange that castism was
bearable for centuries but to speak about this truth was not bearable
to them.

Babasaheb Ambedkar wrote: “The
first and foremost thing that must be recognized is that Hindu Society
is a myth. The name Hindu is itself a foreign name. It was given by
the Mohammedans to the natives for the purpose of distinguishing
themselves. It does not occur in any Sanskrit work prior to the
Mohammedan invasion. They did not feel the necessity of a common name
because they had no conception of their having constituted a
community. Hindu society as such does not exist. It is only a
collection of castes, Each caste is conscious of its existence. Its
survival is the be all and end all of its existence. Castes do not even
form a federation. A caste has no feeling that it is affiliated to
other castes except when there is a Hindu-Muslim riot. On all other
occasions each caste endeavors to segregate itself and to distinguish
itself from other castes. Each caste not only dines among itself and
marries among itself but each caste prescribes its own distinctive
dress. What other explanation can there be of the innumerable styles of
dress worn by the men and women of India which so amuse the tourists?
Indeed the ideal Hindu must be like a rat living in his own hole
refusing to have any contact with others. There is an utter lack among
the Hindus of what the sociologists call “consciousness of kind”. There
is no Hindu consciousness of kind. In every Hindu the consciousness
that exists is the consciousness of his caste. That is the reason why
the Hindus cannot be said to form a society or a nation.”

Thus the yahoo question should be can Hindus be patriotic with their strong caste sense?

News stories from Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu,
Sep 11 Demanding that Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir should be
held on time, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) today asked the Election
Commission (EC) not to make any move to defer these elections.

Sept. 11: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Thursday joined the chorus of
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that the Election Commission of India
should not defer the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir as it
would scuttle the spirit of democracy in the state.

BSP national general secretary Narinder Kashyap, while addressing a
press conference here, maintained that prolonged rule would not be in
the interest of the state and delayed election process would disenchant
the people who believe in democracy. He claimed that his party had
already nominated 74 candidates for the Assembly polls in the state
against 87 seats.

“BSP is hopeful of forming government in the state with the support of weaker section,” he said.

NSG-Waiver: Historic Or Black Day For India!

Supporters of India’s ruling Congress Party
celebrate the approval of U.S.-Indian atomic energy deal in the western
Indian city of Ahmedabad September 6, 2008. Forty-five nations approved
a U.S. proposal on Saturday to lift a global ban on nuclear trade with
India in a breakthrough towards sealing a U.S.-Indian atomic energy
deal.

REUTERS/Amit Dave

NEW DELHI: The waiver granted to India by the
45-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) for nuclear commerce with it,
ending 34 years of the country’s nuclear isolation definitely marks a
major diplomatic victory for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (September
6). While it spells celebration for Congress and its allies, the waiver
has given opposition parties and the left bloc a serious issue to
strongly criticize the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA)
government. Mixed reactions to India having secured the NSG waiver
suggest beginning of a major political battle at home for the Congress,
which is going to be a fiery one with national elections less than a
year away.

Welcoming the waiver, Singh described it as
“forward-looking and momentous decision.” “It is a recognition of
India’s impeccable non-proliferation credentials and its status as a
state with advanced nuclear technology. It will give an impetus to
India’s pursuit of environmentally sustainable economic growth,” he
said. Thanking United States and NSG members for “ensuring this
outcome,” Singh said: “We look forward to establishing a mutually
beneficial partnership with friendly countries in an area, which is
important for both global energy security as well as to meet the
challenge of climate change.”

Singh also spoke to President George Bush on
telephone thanking him. Besides, “The two leaders expressed their
belief that mutually beneficial relations between India and the United
States were in the interest of their peoples, and were on a path of
steady consolidation and multifaceted expansion, to which both leaders
reiterated their commitment,” official sources said.

The NSG-waiver will “enable India to resume full
civil nuclear cooperation with the international community to meet its
energy and development requirements,” External Affairs Minister Pranab
Mukherjee said. “We welcome this decision,” which “constitutes a major
landmark in our quest for energy security,” he said. It “will open a
new chapter in India’s cooperation with other countries in peaceful
uses of nuclear energy,” he pointed out.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi congratulated Singh and
Mukherjee for the NSG-waiver. Describing the waiver as a historic
moment, Gandhi said it “marks the culmination of enormous efforts and
skilful negotiations by our diplomats and nuclear scientists. Three
decades of isolation have ended.” In a press statement, Gandhi
congratulated the Prime Minister for his “conviction and commitment to
pursue with determination India’s integration with global mainstream to
meet requirements of our energy security.”

“This is a triumphant day for India. The NSG
consensus … (is) culmination of years of hard work and cooperation
between India and the US to bring India into the global nuclear
mainstream,” US envoy in India David C. Mulford said.

Hailing NSG waiver as “historic” and significant
victory for not just the government but for all Indians, Congress party
spokesman Manish Tiwari said: “It is a historic day for India. It is a
red letter day.”

Describing the waiver as a great victory for India,
which will help in the country’s development, Samajwadi Party (SP)
general secretary Amar Singh said: “India needs development and not
nuclear bombs.” He also criticized the Indo-US deals’ opponents for
“beating around the bush.”

While the NSG-waiver has spelt “victory” for
Congress party and its allies, the opposition parties and the left bloc
who have opposed the Indo-US nuclear deal think otherwise. Describing
the waiver as a “stage-managed show,” Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
vice-president Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi blamed the PM for having
“compromised on national interests.” “In spite of winning the vote at
the NSG meeting, the prime minister has lost the battle at home. The
deal, in its present state, is going to have long-term consequences,”
he said.

Senior BJP leader and former external affairs
minister Yashwant Sinha said: “The Congress is saying that this will
end India’s nuclear isolation. We believe this does not hold any
ground.” “India has walked into a non-proliferation trap. It has lost
its right to conduct nuclear tests forever. NSG guidelines are tougher
than the Hyde Act,” Sinha said.

“This is an injustice done to the generation next to
come. The Manmohan Singh government has taken an unfortunate decision
by submitting our authority before the United States,” Communist Party
of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader A. Vijayaraghavan said.

Indian politicians opposed to the deal have been
further enraged on contents of a “secret” letter published in The
Washington Post, just ahead of NSG meeting in Vienna. The controversial
contents made public by Republican Howard L. Berman, Chairman of House
Foreign Affairs committee, are viewed as at variance with the stand
maintained by India so far. The 26-page letter states that the United
States would help India deal only with “disruptions in supply to India
that may result through no fault of its own,” such as trade war or
market disruptions. “The fuel supply assurances are not, however, meant
to insulate India against the consequences of a nuclear explosive test
or a violation of nonproliferation commitments,” the letter says. The
Indian government is expected to take “letter”-issue with the Bush
administration, sources said.

The letter has provoked the deal’s opponents to
blame the government for “misleading” the Parliament, “hiding facts”
and “lying” to the people over the nature of the deal. CPI-M general
secretary Prakash Karat said: “The only option left to them (UPA) is
that the Prime Minister should quit. But neither will they convene
Parliament session nor will they quit. It is a shameless government.”
Describing the waiver as a step in direction of total surrender of
country’s nuclear rights, Karat said that the US orchestrated the NSG
waiver as it wants the 123 Agreement to be operationalized. The waiver
is in conformity with the Hyde Act. “Any new government that comes to
power after next elections other than Congress should get the Indo-US
nuclear deal terminated,” Karat said. The left would continue its
struggle in this regard, he asserted. India has now become part of the
“non-proliferation regime, which we have always found to be
discriminatory and resisted so far,” Karat said.

“We continue to be opposed to 123 agreement. It’s a
surrender of all our sovereign right,” Communist Party of India (CPI)
national secretary D. Raja said. In a statement, the CPI said that it
is “not a historic day but a black day for India as far as our nuclear
program is concerned. This waiver will kill our efforts to develop
nuclear technology based on thorium.” Another strong opponent of the
Indo-US nuke deal, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati, who is
also Uttar Pradesh chief minister, described the development in Vienna
as a “black day” for India.

LUCKNOW: The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is
concentrating on the reserved seats in UP and other states, even as it
goes about popularising its social engineering formula on the general
seats.

According to BSP leaders, its success on the reserved seats will
indicate that the party remains not only the undisputed representative
of the scheduled castes but has also emerged as the leader of upper
castes. In UP, there are 17 reserved seats and the BSP had won only
five of these seats in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. The party had won
Misrikh, Akbarpur, Barabanki, Basti and Robertsganj seats.

“In the entire country, there are 79 reserved seats for scheduled caste
candidates and 41 for scheduled tribe candidates. This time we are
laying special focus on these seats. To begin with, we are forming
“Bhaichara Committees” in these constituencies that will be headed by
leaders of a caste group (other than SC/ST) that has a considerable
presence in the constituency. The committee will make an attempt to
bring other communities — upper castes as well as backward castes —

closer to the dalits in the constituency and pave the way for the
victory of the BSP candidate,” said a senior BSP functionary. The BSP
is confident that this formula will work in reserved constituencies to
their advantage because its success has already been tested in the UP
Assembly elections in 2007 when the BSP won 61 of the 89 reserved seats
in the state. The BSP leader added that the success of the social
engineering formula that led BSP to its “stupendous successs” in UP
would also be showcased in other states during the election campaign.
“This will help the upper castes understand the Sarvjan Hitaye, Sarvjan
Sukhaye concept of the party and will encourage them to vote with the
dalits in the elections,” he stated.

According to party sources, the BSP is also exercising caution in
selection of candidates for these reserved seats. Efforts are being
made to select candidates whose acceptability in other castes and
communities is high. “Scheduled caste/ scheduled tribe candidates
having a clean image and a basic level of popularity among other castes
will be our choice for the reserved seats. Such candidates will attract
votes from communities other than their own,” explained the leader.

EC should not defer Assembly elections in J&K : BSP

Jammu,
Sep 11 Demanding that Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir should be
held on time, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) today asked the Election
Commission (EC) not to make any move to defer these elections. “Any
move to defer the elections could lead to resentment among the people
in the state, which is not good for Jammu and Kashmir,” the national
general secretary of BSP Narinder Kumar Kashyap told reporters here.

Holding elections on time are necessary for establishing democracy in
the state, he said, adding these would restore the faith among the
people who want people’s government to be formed in the state.

The EC must take steps to establish democracy in the state at the
earliest because governor’s/president’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir is
not in the interest of the people, he said.

Kashyap said BSP is ready and has made all the preparations to contest the assembly elections in the state.

“Of 87 Assembly seats in J&K, our party has already nominated 35
candidates for Jammu region, four for Ladakh and 35 for Kashmir valley
and the names of the remaining candidates would be announced soon,” he
said.

The BSP leader expressed hope that the party will form government in the state with the support of Original Inhabitants of Jambudvipa, that is the Great Prabuddha Bharath and weaker sections.

Accusing Congress, National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) and BJP for their role in disturbing the situation in the state,
Kashyap said during last over two months innocent people had to suffer
and even today the situation is not good in entire valley and some
parts of Jammu region. (Agencies)

World News, Views, Reviews and Opinions!

Leaders of the Left, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Telugu Desam
Party (TDP) and other non-Congress and non-BJP parties on Tuesday met
President Pratibha Patil to demand immediate convening of the Monsoon
Session of Parliament.

The leaders accused the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance
Government of subverting the Constitution by deciding to do away with
the monsoon session and convening a combined session.

“As none of the nine assurances given by the Prime Minister on the
Indo-US nuclear deal has been met and crucial information has been
concealed, the Government is accountable and answerable to the people
on various counts,” the leaders charged in a memorandum submitted to
the President.

Blaming the Government for its inability to control the spiraling
inflation and the communal situation in Orissa, they said: “We want to
discuss these issues in Parliament session.” (ANI)

Online edition of India’s National NewspaperFriday, Sep 12, 2008

Azamgarh DIG, SP suspended

Special Correspondent

LUCKNOW: Five days after communal violence in Azamgarh in Uttar
Pradesh claimed the life of one person, the Mayawati government on
Thursday suspended Azamgarh Range DIG Abhimanyu Tripathi and SP V.K.
Garg, on charges of dereliction of duty and ignoring directives for
making effective police arrangements. Violence and arson erupted in
Azamgarh after the convoy of BJP MP from Gorakhpur, Yogi Adityanath,
was attacked. Earlier the MP’s supporters had raised objectionable
slogans in the Muslim-dominated Takiya locality of the eastern UP town.

The MP was going to address the ‘Virat Hindu Chetna Rally’, organized by the Hindu Yuva Vahini in the local DAV College.

Addressing a press conference, Director General of Police Vikram
Singh and Principal Secretary, Home, Kunwar Fateh Bahadur said Mr.
Adityanath has a past of making objectionable speeches.

Disciplinary action against four CMOs

Gorakhpur: Disciplinary action has been taken against the Chief
Medical Officers (CMOs) of four districts of Gorakhpur for showing
laxity in launching a sanitation campaign after the recent floods. At a
meeting held to review situation of flood-affected areas, DC P.K.
Mohanti ordered adverse entries in the service books of CMOs of
Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Deoria and Mahrajganj districts. So far, 18
people have died in the division due to diarrhoea alone, Mr. Mohanti
said.

This race is too close and too important to stay home on Election Day.

If you take the time to register and vote — and make sure everyone you
know does as well — we’ll be able to turn the tide of the past eight
years.

You can bring communities and states that have been
ignored by presidential campaigns for years back into the political
process.

That’s what this movement is all about — expanding our process and making sure Washington is accountable to all Americans.

Registering to vote is a crucial step. And VoteForChange.com makes it
easier than ever. Instead of tracking down the right forms, all you
need to do is answer a few basic questions and you’ll be ready to vote.

Not only can you register, you can look up early-vote
information for your state, apply to vote absentee, or find your
polling place.

It’s one of the easiest and most important things you can do to bring change to our country.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

New Delhi
(PTI): In the world of fairy tale, princess Rapunzel may have used the
power of her long tresses to meet her prince charming, but today’s
powerful women seem to prefer keeping their hair short, mostly.

In
the latest list of 100 most powerful women in the world, compiled by US
business magazine Forbes, close to two- third of them have short hair,
including the Indian debutant Mayawati — Bahujan Samaj Party President
and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

Among
those with short hair, Mayawati has company in names like German
Chancellor Angela Merkel, US Federal Deposit Insurance Corp’s head
Sheila Blair and PepsiCo’s Indian origin Chief Indra Nooyi — the three
most powerful in the world.

Other
such famous personalities, who are short on hair but long on power
list, include American senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, US First Lady
Laura Bush and 82-year Queen Elizabeth II of UK.

In
addition, the likes of health insurance major WellPoint chief Angela
Braly and Cynthia Carroll of mining giant Anglo-American have also
opted for cropped-hair look.

In
the top-ten of the 100 most powerful list itself, as many as nine have
short hair, while as many as 75 of the total have their tresses falling
up to or above shoulders.

However,
presence of such a large number of short-hair women on the list might
just be coincidental, as the measure of power has noting to do with
tresses for this list. The US magazine has measured “power” as a
composite of public profile, calculated using press mentions, and
financial heft.

Besides,
US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, India’s Congress Party chief
Sonia Gandhi and Biocon CEO Kiran Mazumdar Shaw have hair touching to
their shoulders.

The
hair-length could not be ascertained for a few like Harvard University
President Drew Gilpin Faust and Liberia President Ellen
Johnson-Sirleaf, as either their pictures were not available or the
head was covered on their photographs on Forbes website.

Generally,
people associate long hair with beauty, as shown by most film actresses
preferring such look, while many believe that some prefer to keep them
short just for the sake of convenience. As long hair requires more
maintenance, the women in corporate world and politics seem to prefer
it short.

As
per a German fairy tale, a prince was riding through a forest when he
heard long-haired Rapunzel singing from her tower room, where she was
kept captive by a witch. Finding no way to reach her, the price asked
Rapunzel to let her hair down from the window of her room, climbed up
on her tresses and asked her to marry him.

However, the power of Rapunzel’s long hair proved short- lived as witch cut it short after finding about the prince.

Link: http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200808311321.htm

Left, BSP and TDP demand immediate convening of Parliament session

New Delhi,

Tue, 09 Sep 2008

ANI

New Delhi, Sept 9 (ANI): Leaders of the Left, the Bahujan Samaj
Party (BSP), the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and other non-Congress and
non-BJP parties on Tuesday met President Pratibha Patil to demand
immediate convening of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The
leaders accused the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government
of subverting the Constitution by deciding to do away with the monsoon
session and convening a combined session.

“As none of the nine assurances given by the Prime Minister on the
Indo-US nuclear deal has been met and crucial information has been
concealed, the Government is accountable and answerable to the people
on various counts,” the leaders charged in a memorandum submitted to
the President.

Blaming the Government for its inability to
control the spiraling inflation and the communal situation in Orissa,
they said: “We want to discuss these issues in Parliament session.”
(ANI)

A delegation of MPs from the Left parties, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP)
and the Telegu Desam Party (TDP) on Tuesday met President Pratibha
Patil to protest the government’s decision to postpone the second half
of the 14th session of parliament to October.

The next session of parliament is scheduled from Oct 17-Nov 21.

Accusing
the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government of sabotaging the
Constitution and the parliamentary democratic system, the delegation
submitted a memorandum to the president appealing for her immediate
intervention to prevent the subversion of the country’s constitutional
scheme.

“We demand that the monsoon session of parliament be
immediately convened. The winter session must, as is the practice,
convene in the second half of November,” the parties said in the
memorandum.

“It (the decision) violates the basic principle of
governance established under our system. Central to India’s
constitutional structure is that the sovereignty rests solely with the
people,” they said.

“The absence of the parliament session negates the legislature’s right and executive obligations,” the memorandum added.

As
the president is the custodian of the Constitution, she has to defend
it, said Sitaram Yechury, leader of the Communist Party of
India-Marxist (CPI-M) in Rajya Sabha, after meeting Patil.

“The
government is answerable to parliament and parliament is answerable to
the people. Had the monsoon session of the parliament been held on
time, it could have solved the burning issues of the people including
soaring inflation, Bihar floods, communal violence in Orissa and
troubles in Jammu and Kashmir,” Yechury said.

“If they (UPA)
have majority in the parliament, why are they running away from it,”
asked BSP’s Rajya Sabha leader Satish Chandra Mishra, who represented
his party in the delegation along with the party’s leader in Lok Sabha
Rajesh Verma.

“A minority government is oppressing the majority,” he charged.

CPI
leader Gurudas Das Gupta, who is the leader of the party in Lok Sabha,
alleged that the government was deliberately shortening the session.

Parliament should be in session for at least 100 days in a year, he said.

“The
government is going with the agenda of the US. The US is taking
decision regarding when the parliament of India is to be convened,”
TDP’s leader in the Lok Sabha Yerran Naidu charged.

Janata Dal (Secular) leader Danish Ali was also a member of the delegation.

Left, BSP, TDP meet president, protest parliament session delay

New
Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) A delegation of MPs from the Left parties, Bahujan
Samaj Party (BSP) and the Telegu Desam Party (TDP) Tuesday met
President Pratibha Patil to protest the government’s decision to
postpone the second half of the 14th session of parliament to October.

Online edition of India’s National NewspaperThursday, Sep 11, 2008

UP drive to unearth explosive materials

Special Correspondent

In
view of the recent incidents in the State

Recovery details to be known today

Peace prevails in Azamgarh

LUCKNOW: A drive was conducted throughout Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday
to unearth explosives and unsolicited explosive material. The drive
conducted at the behest of the office of the Director-General Of Police
continued from 3 PM to 6 PM . The details of the recovery would be
known on Thursday.

The Additional Director-General of Police ( Law and Order) Brij Lal
told reporters that the drive was conducted in view of the recent
incidents in the State.

With the communal tensions reportedly increasing, the State
Government has geared up to tackle the situation and thwart the designs
of the anti-social elements to disrupt peace. This follows the stern
view taken by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mayawati, on the
incidents of violence and arson in Azamgarh town in Eastern U.P. on
Sunday, in which one person lost his life.

On the directives of the Chief Minister, DG Vikram Singh and
Principal Secretary (Home), Kunwar Fateh Bahadur visited Azamgarh on
Tuesday to take stock of the situation.

The officials said strict action would be taken against the
anti-social elements and nobody would be allowed to disturb the law and
order situation in the State.

While Azamgarh remained peaceful on Wednesday, a group clash
occurred near the Idgah in Bilariaganj in the district on Tuesday
night. Stone-pelting between the rival groups and firing were reported
from the scene of the incident. The ADG, Law and Order said timely
police intervention saved the situation from deteriorating. He said 11
persons each of the two warring groups were arrested by the police.

On Monday, violence had occurred in Kaptanganj, about 20 kilometres
from Azamgarh. Mr. Lal said five additional companies of Provincial
Armed Constabulary (PAC) in Azamgarh and the IG, Varanasi Zone, Praveen
Singh was camping in the city.

Incidents of stone throwing between two groups was also reported from Nawabganj town in Gonda district on Tuesday.

U.P. police seek narco test on criminal

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh police has sought permission to conduct
narco test on a notorious criminal who was arrested by the Special Task
Force from Guwahati in Assam.

Ajay Jadeja alias Janak Yadav had fled from police custody in
Gurgaon in May and was arrested recently. He was brought to Meerut on
transit remand on Tuesday, ADG law and order, Brij Lal said.

Permission would be sought from the court for conducting narco test
on Jadeja who is wanted in over 34 criminal cases, Mr. Brij Lal added.

Heroin seized; five arrested

Lucknow: Five persons were arrested with 1,150 grams heroin worth
over Rs.1 crore from two different places in the state, sources have
said here.

While three persons were arrested in Fatehgarh with 650 grams of
heroin, two others were arrested in Mirzapur with 500 grams of the
contraband.

The police have also recovered three country-made pistols and 15 cartridges from their possession.

Uttar Pradesh girl students to know about women related laws

Lucknow, Sep 9 (IANS) Students in various girls’
degree colleges across the state will know more about women related
laws through a campaign to be undertaken by the Uttar Pradesh state
women’s commission, an official said Tuesday.

‘The move aims to apprise girls of legal tools,
which they can opt for

Uttar Pradesh to survey flood-hit areas for giving damages

Lucknow, Sep 9 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh is to launch a survey of all
flood-hit areas so that compensation amount could be awarded to the
victims after the state government earmarked a whopping Rs.3.8 billion
for the purpose. “All the district magistrates must undertake a survey
of their respective regions to ascertain the property, agriculture and
other losses,” Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Atul Kumar Gupta said at a
review meet convened to discuss flood relief measures Tuesday.

He said the government has already released Rs.3.8 billion for flood-hit regions in the state.

“We want to speed up the process of distributing compensation to those affected by the floods.”

At least 721 people have died due rains and floods in the state since June 1.

Meanwhile, large-scale relief operations were underway to provide
some respite to the nearly two million people across 21 flood-affected
districts of the state. The state has 70 districts.

BSP leader found dead in Uttar PradeshLucknow, Sep 10 (IANS)

A leader of the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party
was found murdered in a lake in Uttar Pradesh’s Pratapgarh district,
the police said Wednesday.”The body of Jeet Lal Singh, who was a member
of the village panchayat, carried several bullet injuries,” police
officer Dhruv Shukla told IANS on phone.

The body was recovered late Tuesday night from the lake in
Maheshganj locality in Tada Bazaar village in Pratapgarh, about 150 km
from Lucknow, he added.

Family members of the deceased had registered a complaint with the
police when Jeet Lal did not return home till 9 p.m., the police said.

The police said the incident can be a fall out of political rivalry.
No arrest has been made in connection with the murder, said Shukla

Latest News

Uttar Pradesh college teacher held for impersonating minister

A college teacher who was posing as a minister and asking policemen to release some criminals was arrested here, the police said Wednesday.

According to the police, Ravikant, a lecturer in a private engineering college
in the Mohanlalganj locality of the Uttar Pradesh capital, was posing
as Urban Development Minister Nakul Dubey, and had phoned two senior
police officials seeking the release of some people in police custody.

“Ravikant called up the Cantonment police station inspector and said
that he is Nakul Dubey, the urban development minister. He told the
inspector to release some people arrested in connection with a criminal
case,” Lucknow police chief Akhil Kumar told IANS, adding that Ravikant
had also called him for the same purpose.

“I received the call on Aug 30 and immediately talked to the
minister. However, he expressed surprise over the issue and clarified
that he did not call any police official,” added Kumar.

Ravikant was arrested Tuesday night after the police traced the calls.

Online edition of India’s National NewspaperWednesday, Sep 10, 2008

BSP to field C N Singh from Pratapgarh

Lucknow: BSP will field party MP C N Singh in Pratapgarh Lok Sabha seat and Girish Pasi in Kansuambi constituency.

The names were announced by party spokesman and Cabinet Minister Swami Prasad Maurya here on Monday.

Left, allies for early monsoon session

Special Correspondent

They urge President to intervene to “prevent subversion” of
constitutional scheme

NEW DELHI: Leaders of Left parties, Bahujan Samaj Party, Telugu
Desam Party and the Janata Dal (Secular) on Tuesday met President
Pratibha Patil and sought her intervention to hold the monsoon session
of Parliament immediately to “prevent subversion” of constitutional
scheme. The Manmohan Singh-led government had decided to call a session
from October 17.

Raising the issue of executive accountability, the leaders, in a
memorandum to the President, said for a variety of important reasons
“such manipulation” of Parliament sessions had serious implications and
it violated the basic principle of governance.

The memorandum said a series of reports suggested that the Prime
Minister’s assurances to Parliament and the country on the nuclear deal
with the United States had been violated and crucial information
concealed.

“These are serious matters concerning the sovereignty and security
of India and its independent foreign policy. Parliament, therefore the
people, are being deprived of their fundamental right to make the
government accountable and answerable on these matters,” the memorandum
said.

Other issues

There were also issues such as inflation, agrarian crisis, serious
unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar floods and attacks on Christians in
Orissa that needed to be debated, the memorandum said.

The leaders appealed to the President that as the custodian of the
Constitution, she should intervene urgently to prevent “such a
subversion of our constitutional scheme. We demand that the monsoon
session of Parliament is immediately convened. The winter session must,
as is the practice, convene in the second half of November”, the
memorandum said. The leaders, who called on the President, included
Basudeb Acharya and Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M), Gurudas Dasgupta and D.
Raja (CPI), Rajesh Verma and Satish Chandra Misra (BSP), K. Yerrannaidu
and Mysoora Reddy (TDP), Jochim Baxla and Abani Roy (RSP), Debabrata
Biswas (AIFB) and Danish Ali (JS-S).

Google storing more stories fit for print

SAN FRANCISCO: Google is trying to expand the newspaper section of
its online library to include billions of articles published during the
past 244 years, hoping the added attraction will lure even more traffic
to its leading Internet search engine.

The newly announced project extends Google’s crusade to make digital
copies of content created before the Internet’s advent, so the
information can become more accessible and, ultimately, Google can make
more money from advertisements shown on its website.

Google will foot the bill to copy the archives of any newspaper
publisher willing to permit the stories to be shown for free on
Google’s website. The participating publishers will receive an
unspecified portion of the revenue generated from the ads displayed
next to the stories.

On the net, the service is at http://news.google.com/archivesearch — AP

Left-UNPA leaders to meet President today

Left and UNPA leaders

New Delhi: Leaders of Left, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Telugu
Desam Party and other non-Congress and non-BJP parties will meet
President Pratibha Patil today to demand convening of Parliament
session immediately. The meeting comes in the wake of Left demand that
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should quit for “deliberately misleading
people and Parliament” on the Indo-US nuclear deal.

By convening of the session the political fraternities of the
country would be able to discuss several “burning” issues like the
nuclear deal, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as well as Orissa,
parties said. The meeting of leaders of Parliamentary parties with the
President is scheduled at 12.40 pm.

“We will demand the immediate convening of the Parliament session as
none of the nine assurances given by the Prime Minister on nuclear deal
has been met,” a senior Left leader said by adding, “We need an
immediate session to debate the fate of these assurances.” (PTI)

The
Left parties along with the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Telegu Desam
Party (TDP) on Tuesday met President Pratibha Patil to protest against
the union government’s decision to postpone the second half of the 14th
session of parliament to October.

The delegation, which included
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati and TDP chief N Chandrababu
Naidu, termed the government’s move as a “manipulation of established
traditions of parliament since Independence.”

“It (the decision)
violates the basic principle of governance established under our
system. Central to India’s constitutional structure is that the
sovereignty rests solely with the people,” said a statement issued by
the Left parties.

“The absence of the parliament session negates the legislature’s right and executive obligations,” it said.

Last
month the Lok Sabha secretariat said the second part of the 14th
session would begin on October 17 and conclude on November 21.

With
that notification, the government effectively rejected the Opposition’s
demand for early convening of parliament to discuss the nuclear civil
agreement with the United States.

The session will be a
continuation of the special session held on July 21-22 during which the
Congress-led coalition government won the vote of confidence in the Lok
Sabha after the four Left parties withdrew their support on the issue
of the Indo-US nuclear deal.

The deal has since passed the
hurdles at the International Atomic Energy Agency and Nuclear Suppliers
Group. It has yet to cross the last hurdle in the US Congress which has
to ratify it by up-down vote without debate.

The parliamentary
delegation also raised apprehension about soaring inflation and rising
prices which the government has failed to control.

Uttar Pradesh introduces English as subject for engineering student

To tide over shortage, Uttar Pradesh to cut power to industries

Lucknow, Sep 8 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh government
has decided to impose an eight-hour power cut on heavy industries to
tide over the shortage for domestic consumers plagued by the severe
heat and humidity.

According to the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation
Limited (UPPCL), the power cuts would save around 400 MW of
electricity, which would in turn be supplied to the domestic consumers.

‘The decision has been taken to meet the demand of domestic
consumers as the prevailing weather conditions have resulted in a steep
demand for electricity in the state,’ Avnish Awasthi, UPPCL managing
director, told IANS.

Against a demand of 8,800 MW, the UPPCL has managed only 6,400 MW, resulting in power cuts to the heavy industries.

Of the 6,400 MW available, 1,500 MW is supplied to industry. The
decision to go for power cuts will not affect the small and medium
industries, UPPCL sources informed.

A majority of the heavy industries in the state prefer to work at night due to the reduced tariff then.

The big industries have expressed unhappiness over the decision.
Indian Industries Association (IIA) president (Kanpur Chapter) Sunil
Vaish told IANS: ‘The decision of the state government, besides
incurring a loss for the industries to the tune of Rs.500 crore-1,000
crore (Rs.5-10 billion), will also affect employment.’

Most of the skilled and unskilled labourers employed by the
industries work on night shifts. With the power cuts, their services
will not be required, he added.

‘Our delegation is planning to petition Chief Minister Mayawati to
roll back the decision or to reduce cuts to four hours,’ IIA executive
director D.S. Verma said.

Uttar Pradesh to host national junior rowing championship

Lucknow, Sep 8 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh Rowing
Association (UPRA) has started hectic preparations to host the National
Junior Rowing Championship (NJRC), to be held here for the first time,
Nov 17-22, an official said.

Leaders of the Left parties, the Bahujan Samaj Party and the Telugu Desam Party will meet President Pratibha Patil [Images] on Tuesday to demand immediate convening of Parliament session.

The meeting comes in the wake of the Left demand that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] should quit for “lying to people and Parliament” on the Indo-US nuclear deal.

They
had also demanded the immediate convening of Parliament session to
discuss several “burning” issues like the nuclear deal and the
situation in Jammu and Kashmir [Images] as well as Orissa.

Left sources said Rashtrapati Bhavan [Images] had fixed their appointment with the President on Tuesday.

Reacting
to reports on exchange of letters between the State Department and the
then US House Foreign Affairs Committee on the deal in Januray,
Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Prakash Karat [Images] had said, “The only option left to them [United Progressive Alliance] is that the prime minister should quit.

“But
neither will they convene Parliament session nor will they quit. It is
a shameless government. Why are they afraid of Parliament? Why are they
running away. When a serious situation had developed in Jammu and
Kashmir, a session should have been convened. But by not convening the
session, the government has shown complete disregard and contempt for
Parliament,” he had said.

The monsoon session was supposed to
have started in August, but the government has decided to convene the
next session from October 17.

PHAGWARA: Announcing to launch “Jan Chetna Andolen”
in Punjab soon ,Bahujan Samaj Party Punjab State general Secretary MP
Singh Goraya has alleged that Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal
was collecting the detailed lists of criminals including gangsters to
misuse them in next lok sabha elections to ensure the victory of
Shiromani Akali Dal.

Talking to newsmen on Saturday,BSP State General
Secretary MP Singh Goraya alleged that SAD-BJP Government was
politicising the criminal elements which could harm the peaceful
atmosphere.and all necessary public interests issues were being
politicalised only for dirty politics and vested interests by Akali Dal.Goraya
announced that a state level Jan Chetna Rally would be organised on
September 24 at Jalandhar which would be addressed by various senior
stalwarts of the party.Rally would be focused on several issues like
Unemployment,Price Hike and Excessive Policies of the State Government.

Goraya
alleged that law and order situation of the state was detoriorating day
by day and the incidents of crimes like
robberies,rapes,killings,snatchings were increasing.while commenting
upon the next lok sabha election,Goraya said that BSP will contest the
elections making all major issues like law and order,increasing of
unemployment and price hike of essentials commodities,as major poll
plank in next lok sabha elections.

He alleged
that SAD-BJP alliance Government remained complete failure to control
the problems of the people of the state and BSP could soon launch a
state wide agitation in support of the people’s demands of normalcy.He
demanded immediate implementations of the recommendations of 6th pay
scale commission.Goraya alleged that state govt was diverting the
attention of the people from core issues of the state,but doing nothing
practical for the public interests.He also supported the demands of
blinds,and Anganwarri Workers,but strongly condemned the excessive
attitude of the government.

Mayawati surveys flood-hit Bihar, donates Rs.110 mn

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Friday
undertook an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas of neighbouring Bihar
and donated Rs.110 million (Rs.11 crore) for the relief and
rehabilitation of those affected by the calamity.

‘She handed over a cheque to a top official of the Bihar disaster management department here,’ an official said.

After
the aerial survey, she addressed a press conference and urged Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh to take an initiative to solve the annual
problem of floods in Bihar.

‘Floods are not new to Bihar, but the
government should take the issue seriously to come up with a solution,’
Mayawati said before leaving for Uttar Pradesh.

She expressed her support for the flood-hit people and assured all possible help to them.

Eighteen
days after floods hit the state, thousands of people are still
marooned. The turbulent Kosi river continues to pose a threat to lives
of people trapped in Bihar’s worst floods in over 50 years.

Officials
of the disaster management department said there was a strong
possibility of an increase in the water levels of the Kosi river till
the first week of October.

The floods have claimed 22 lives
officially and nearly 100 lives according to non-official estimates.
Over 2.5 million people and 925,000 head of cattle have been affected.

Many
Bihar districts were flooded by the swirling waters of the Kosi river
following a breach in an embankment upstream in Nepal.

According
to official sources, so far 830,000 people have been evacuated from
over 898 villages of five districts by government agencies in last 15
days with the help of army, navy and air force.

‘Over 275,000 people are staying in over 250 relief camps in the areas,’ an official said.

The flood waters have submerged about 100,000 hectares of farmland.

Post offices may soon sell medicines

Lucknow, Sep 4 (IANS) A first-of-its-kind trauma centre in Uttar
Pradesh will soon be set up here, an official said Thursday.”The
upcoming trauma centre which will be set up by the Sanjay Gandhi Post
Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) will offer
comprehensive treatment, especially for accident victims,” chief
medical superintendent of SGPGIMS A.K. Bhatt told IANS.

“It will be the only trauma centre in the state that will offer all
super-specialty medical facilities like treatment of injuries in brain,
bones, lungs, etc. under one roof,” Bhatt added.

The state government has earmarked Rs.20 million for the upcoming hi-tech trauma centre, officials said.

The centre that is expected to be set up in the next six months will
have 150 beds along with state-of-the-art medical equipment, officials
added.

“In several cases, we have observed patients suffering while a
hospital arranges a team of super specialists to attend to them,” said
Bhatt.

“However, in the upcoming trauma centre, a team of specialist
doctors would be available round the clock to attend to trauma cases,”
Bhatt added

BSP gets Muslim candidates in Chhattisgarh after long search

Raipur, Sep 5 - The Bahujan Samaj Party -
has long been looking to put up Muslim candidates in Chhattisgarh to
widen its support base. It has finally found two.

The BSP, aiming to play spoiler between the state’s major
players - the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party - and the Congress - at
this November’s assembly election, is contesting all 90 seats at stake.
Observers say its big problem so far had been the reluctance of Muslim
politicians to be associated with it.

The BSP has now named 86 candidates, including the two Muslims. Sayed
Yunus Ali will be the party nominee in Bilaspur and Sadik Ali in Raipur
North.

‘We are ready to produce a surprising result this time in Chhattisgarh,
probably the BSP will be king-maker,’ Dauram Ratnakar, the party state
unit chief, told IANS. He claimed that BSP now enjoyed support from all
communities.

The BSP had won two seats - both reserved for Scheduled Caste
candidates - in the last poll in 2003. Its leaders say they are working
on a strategy to repeat the party’s Uttar Pradesh’s social engineering
formula in Chhattisgarh and bag seats in double digits for the first
time this year.

Uttar Pradesh to get hi-tech trauma centre

NEW DELHI: Besides posting a letter
you may also stop at a post office to pop up a pill. Postal department is
considering using its 1.5-lakh-strong network across the country to sell
over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, including painkillers, medicines for
diarrhoea, essential cold and cough medicines and contraceptives.

OTC drugs are medicines that can be bought without a doctor’s
prescription. Companies are planning to start pilot projects in Uttar Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra from the next quarter, Novartis V-C and managing
director Ranjit Shahani said. About half-a-dozen pharma companies are expected
to be involved in the pilot project.

The move would increase the
market of OTC drugs. Major players like Novartis, Dabur, Ranbaxy, Cipla,
GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Zandu control nearly 51% of the total
over-the-counter market. The project will involve the department of
pharmaceuticals and DoP. “This may be a PPP project and would be
implemented by DoP and the concerned pharma companies,” a government
official said.

The move is aimed at ensuring accessibility of
over-the-counter drugs in the rural areas. There are about 1,50,000 post offices
across the country. “We have been in talks with the government to use the
network to sell over-the-counter drugs. However, since different ministries are
involved, implementation of the proposal is taking a bit of a time. So, we have
decided to start with the pilot project in three states for the time
being,” said Mr Shahani.

“While there are close to
4,50,000 chemists across the country, companies are willing to use the supply
chain and logistic facilities of the post offices and petrol pumps to make
medicines available in remote areas,” a pharma analyst said.

Uttar Pradesh roadways to add over 2,000 buses

Lucknow, Sep 6 (IANS) Over 2,000 more buses will run on Uttar
Pradesh roads soon, an official said here Saturday.”In the current
fiscal year, UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation)
will include 2,100 more buses for benefiting the commuters,” A.K.
Srivastava, UPSRTC chief general manager, told IANS.

The new vehicles would offer both inter-state and inter-districts bus services, he added.

At present, about 7,000 buses of UPSRTC ply in the state, as well as
in neighbouring states, including Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Madhya
Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar, officials said.

“The new buses would be added to the fleet in a phased manner,” said Srivastava.

Initially, over 426 buses would be pressed into service within the state in 70 districts.

Later, more buses would ply in neighbouring states, he added.

Former Uttar Pradesh minister defects from BJP to BSP

Agra, Sep 6 (IANS) Ram Babu Harit, a former Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) minister in Uttar Pradesh and three-time legislator, has shifted
to the state’s ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in an apparent move to
be its nominee from Agra during the next poll.He accepted the party
membership Friday evening in the prsence of senior BSP leaders
including the national general secretary Naseemuddin Siddiqui, S.P.
Singh Baghael, Ram Vir Upadhyaya, and Narayan Singh Suman.

Harit started his political career in 1988 after winning the a
municipal corporation election here on a BSP ticket. He later defected
to the BJP which made him the state’s health minister.

With the Agra city seat being declared reserved, the candidature of Harit, a dalit, could prove valuable for the BSP.

UP withdraws controversial law against organised crime

LUCKNOW: Annoyed by the Centre not
clearing a tough law against organised crime and terror, Uttar Pradesh
government on Thursday withdrew the legislation with Chief Minister Mayawati
accusing the Congress of double standards for not scrapping a similar measure in
Maharashtra.

“We have dumped the UPCOCA bill in ‘raddi ki tokri’
(dustbin) with immediate effect,” Mayawati told reporters here, while announcing
the decision to withdraw the UP Control of Organised Crime Bill-2007 which was
passed in the state Assembly on February 13 and was awaiting Presidential
assent.

Accusing the Congress of following double standards,
Mayawati said that UPCOCA was prepared on the lines of MCOCA in Maharashtra
after the Centre had asked the states on June 6, 2001 to frame similar law to
firmly deal with organised crime.

Mayawati said that Congress was of
the view that there was no need of the new law. “If it is so why they (Centre)
did not do away with MCOCA in Maharashtra?”

She also asked the
Maharashtra government to take a cue from the state and control crime with
existing laws.

Mayawati’s move came days after Union Minister of
State for Home Sri Prakash Jaiswal said the Centre would turn down the UP’s
request to pass UPCOCA.

Uttar Pradesh to frame new textile policy

September 05, 2008 (India)

Recently,
Dr. V. Rajagopalan, IAS, Principal Secretary, SSI & Textiles, Govt.
of Uttar Pradesh met a group of eminent textile mill owners,
industrialists, garment manufacturers and garment exporters at NITRA.
The meeting was held to seek once again the industry’s opinion before
finalizing the revised draft textile policy (2008-13) for Uttar Pradesh.

In this context it may be recalled that in December 2005, Govt. of U.P.
had assigned to NITRA the task of preparing the textile policy. In
order to accomplish the same, NITRA interacted with textile
entrepreneurs and trade bodies in UP such as Indian Industries
Association & UP Powerloom Federation (both Kanpur), All India
Carpet Manufacturers Association (Bahdoi), Eastern UP Exporters
Association (Banaras), Chamber of Industries (Gorakhpur), UP Kangar
Bunkar Union & Powerloom Bunkar Union (both Tanda), Powerloom
Vastro Utpadak Association (Meerut), and Niwan Nirmata Sangh
(Modinagar).

NITRA also discussed with CEOs of leading textile companies of UP like
Alps Industries Ltd., Ginni Filaments Ltd, Gajroula Spinning Mills, and
a host of textile professionals, garment manufacturers/garment
exporters in and around U.P. After collecting their views, NITRA
compiled and submitted the same in the form of draft U.P. Textile
Policy 2006-11.

The referred meet was held as a sequel to the exercise already made, so
as to give a fresh look to the matter under the changed circumstances
and prepare the policy for 2008-13. The suggestions emerged from the
deliberations held on 28th July are given in this issue.

New Draft of UP Textile Policy:

1) UP textile policy should be framed keeping the policy guidelines of
Tamilnadu (being the most developed state in India) in terms of
different sectors of textiles - organized mills sector, handloom,
powerloom, knitting, and garments.
2) In view of the changing scenario of textile trade in India over last
couple of months, it is suggested to have a second round of discussions
with veteran industrialists and technical experts to take their opinion
for incorporating in the policy
3) In line of the removal of VAT on yarn, readymade garments should also be exempted from VAT.
4) Adequate supply of good quality of electricity power is to be ensured.
5) Subsidized power for power loom sectors to be continued.
6) For organized sector, instead of providing subsidized charges
(electricity charges per unit), low cost electricity charges should be
proposed which may be less than the present charges by a certain
percentage.
7) Amendment of age old lopsided labour laws – urgently required.
8) In view of high cotton prices and high yield in recent years,
techno-economics of cotton cultivation in UP can be assessed so as to
eliminate dependence on cotton procurement from far off places.
9) Infrastructure like road and transportation should be improved in
Noida as the place houses huge number of garment export units.
10) As Noida is a garment hub, fabric is mostly procured from other states. Some kind of freight subsidy should be given.

Barack & Behenji

1 Sep 2008, 0211 hrs IST, Jug Suraiya

On the same day that Barack Obama made history by being the first
African-American to be nominated as a US presidential candidate -
exactly 45 years after Martin Luther King made his famous ‘I Have a
Dream’ speech - BSP leader Mayawati made her first appearance in a
Forbes magazine’s list, on which Sonia Gandhi also features, of the 100
most powerful women in the world.

Barack and Behenji are of course literally worlds apart, in personal
attributes and career paths as in geography. However, both are
inspirational icons to their respective communities.

Because of their history of slavery and oppression, African-Americans
may be deemed to be the Original Inhabitants of the New World. The comparison is of
course facile and doesn’t stand scrutiny. Today, many if not most
African-Americans have achieved a social and economic status that -
even taking into account the very different levels of overall
prosperity respectively obtaining in India and the US - remain an
unthinkable dream to the vast majority of Original Inhabitants of Jambudvipa, that is the Great Prabuddha Bharath, exposed as they are
to the most brutal forms of caste discrimination.

Another, more subtle difference between Obama and Mayawati might be
discerned in the way the two are perceived and spoken about by the
urban Indian elites, many of whom would define themselves as liberals.
Among this set, Obama has, ever since he announced his candidature,
been hailed as not only America’s but the whole world’s great black
hope for evolutionary change. That the world’s most powerful democracy
can elect - or even seek to elect - a black man to its highest public
office, is seen as a watershed breakthrough for progressive ideas and
ideals not just for the US but for the international community in its
entirety, wounded as it is by entrenched antagonisms. An
African-American in the Oval Office represents an incredible journey,
from slave ship to White House, and becomes a beacon of hope for all
those who would break the shackles of historic oppression.

Not just an articulate, but a lyrical and impassioned speaker, Obama is
a hands down winner in urban, upper-middle-class India, particularly so
after he established his ‘desi’ credentials by revealing that during
his student days he’d learnt from a room-mate (a Pakistani) how to cook
a mean daal. Elite India’s love affair with Obama is heartening, not
least because it might help to rebut the often-made, and valid, charge
of racism leveled at us.

Liberal and progressive India’s adulation of Obama is in sharp contrast
to the scorn and suspicion it continues to reserve for Mayawati. Forbes
might salute the Original Inhabitant of Jambudvipa, that is the Great Prabuddha Bharath leader for having overcome millennia-old caste
and gender barriers to become the chief minister of what is generally
considered to be the most politically significant state in the world’s
most populous democracy. But for upper crust India, Mayawati remains,
at best, an object of satire and ridicule, and, at worst, a disaster
waiting to happen as a would-be prime minister.

Why this disdain for an undoubtedly charismatic political leader who,
apart from having given a voice to the voiceless, has advocated sound
measures such as upgrading English-medium education in UP and using
energy-efficient CFL bulbs in government offices? Part of it of course
is social snobbery. Urban, and urbane, liberals who would never dream
of harbouring caste prejudices are - by the very token of that elitist
high ground - inveterate social snobs. How dare this arriviste Behenji
(the nickname a supercilious put-down) flaunt diamonds and have opulent
birthday bashes. If she were a true champion of the downtrodden she
should sport a jhola and look like Medha Patkar.

Snobbery apart, Mayawati is too up close and personal for liberal
comfort. Obama’s fine; he’s safely far away. No African-American is
going to pop up in one’s sitting room with son-in-law aspirations; a
Behenji-inspired Original Inhabitant of Jambudvipa, that is the Great Prabuddha Bharath just might. That’s the real trouble with
Mayawati: she’s too close to the knuckle for our long-distance
liberals. Or is she?

By all means vote for Barack as US prez. But, equally, vote for Behenji as our next PM. Deal?

Enjoy trekking in Kullu ValleyTrekking season is at its peak in Himachal Pradesh
and several enthusiastic trekkers from different parts of the country
and abroad are making a beeline for a thrilling experience here.

Thousands of trekkers have thronged to Kullu valley to enjoy its mystic and scenic beauty.

“I have come to Kullu Manali for the first time. I just love the
mountains. The place is so fascinating and spectacular that I don’t
have words to express my feelings. The most important thing is that
whosoever thought of and managing the complications and vastness of
these adventures must be great minds behind this,” said Ankita
Shrivastava, a trekker from Uttar Pradesh.

Many international tourists appreciate this place for trekking for
being quite reasonable in rates. “I did a lot of trekking in Himachal
Pradesh and I really liked it because it is cheap as you can arrange
water and everything, a price that is payable for us,” said Isabel, a
trekker from Belgium.

One can find trekkers belonging to Africa, Europe, the Middle East and
different regions of Asia who arrive here to enjoy and explore the
Himalayas. The long treks are in the regions of Chandertal, Surajtal
Lake and Pin Parvati Pass, and Spiti valley as well as the Ladakh
region towards Leh in Jammu and Kashmir.

There are world famous trekking routes like Chanderkhani Pass, Beas Kund, Bhrigu, Hamta Pass.

“We have around thousands of people participating in trekking every
year. Here we have loads of organisations, which promote these
adventure activities. The famous places for trekking and adventure
courses are Chanderkhani Pass, Hamta Top, Vyaskund Trek, Saarkund Trek,
Saar Pass trek and many more,” said Amar Chand, one local trekking
organiser.

Trekking in Ladakh.

One
can experience exciting treks in the valleys of Ladakh, Zanskar and
Changthang Plateau, with great contrast such as the Changthang Plateau
with Nomads and high pasturelands high altitude lakes and the Zanskar
gorges hidden deep in the western reaches of Ladakh. There one can see
villages & monasteries nestled high on cliffs, the greenest fields
of peas, barely, wheat, and mustard. These are just some of the
attractions on these spectacular treks.

Markha Valley Trek ( 8-10 days) This
trek is easily accessible from Leh and offers a large diversity of
landscapes. The green oasis of the Markha Valley guarded by Kang Yatse
6400mts from east and Zanskar range from the south west. From any of
the high points you can have breath-taking views of the Korakoram Saser
Kangri peak (7670mts) Stok Kangri (6150mts) Kang Yatse 6400mts.and Nun
Kun (7135mts.) During this trek you will go through many scattered high
villages, each with irrigated fields of barley, wheat and mustard which
adds brilliance to the landscape of this broken moon land, and Markha
valley trek is a part of Hemis National Park, Where there is always an
opportunity of spotting wild animals. We have departures to the famous
Markha Valley every second day from 1 st of June to 10 th of October.

Spituk to Stok Trek (4 days) Rumbak valley TrekThis
is a part of the Markha Valley trek, famous for wild animals, National
Geographic made an award winning documentary in the Rumbak valley
regarding Snow Leopards. This is the perfect trek If you are looking
for a shorter option, beautiful view and moderate difficulty, this trek
is definitely for those who have very short time in Ladakh, yet they
want to have a flavor of trekking in Ladakh.

Hemis to Tsomoriri Trek (14 - 16 days)
This trek is famous for its unique landscape, nomads and the lakes.
This area is a part of the Changthang Plateau, a part of western Tibet
which can be called Eastern Ladakh. This region, known as the land of
the nomads, will give you an experience to last a lifetime. You can see
the nomads’ traditional lifestyle. The area is also an important
wildlife sanctuary, harboring snow leopards and wild asses, as well as
various species of birds, such as Black Necked Crane.

Rumtse to Tsomoriri Trek (8-9 Days Trek)
Rumtse is situated 70 Kms east of Leh, the starting point of this trek.
Rupshu Valley lies sandwiched between Ladakh in the north, Tibet in the
east and Zanskar in the west. It is a part of the Changthang plateau
and is characterized by high arid plains, nomads, high pasturelands,
snow-capped peaks and beautiful high altitude azure-blue lakes, the
largest being Tsokar & Tso Moriri at 4,500 m.

SINGAPORE: The stage is being set for the first-ever Asia-Pacific “Indian Diaspora event.”

India’s annual Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is seen here as a festive
conclave with “a global reach.” The ‘PBD Singapore,’ slated to be held
for three days from October 9, will be a regional variant. The
objective, according to the organisers, is to promote an event with a
difference, which will be in tune with the City State’s efforts to
remain “an economic hub” in the Asia-Pacific zone.

The prime mover is the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce &
Industry (SICCI). While the Confederation of Indian Industry has joined
hands with the SICCI, the governments of Singapore and India have
extended “full and active support,” according to Sat Pal Khattar,
chairman of the ‘PBD Singapore’ steering committee.

Singapore, in his view, is the theatre where India scored its “first
Look-East policy breakthrough under [former] Prime Minister Narasimha
Rao [in the early 1990s].”

Free trade pact

Briefing journalists, SICCI chairman Vijay Iyengar said the
“business focussed” conference would be particularly topical, as
India’s free trade agreement with the Association of South East Asian
Nations (ASEAN) “is in the pipeline.” The key thematic discussions
would centre on sustainable development, scenarios for India’s next
generation, and youth and education.

‘Towards a dynamic Indian Diaspora’ being the overarching theme, it
was expected that the conference would capture the imagination of
entrepreneurs and opinion leaders among overseas Indians in
Asia-Pacific, he said. Estimates of the Indian-origin people in this
region varied from five million to 10 million.

The entire galaxy of Singapore’s political leadership would be
associated with the conference; and elder statesman Lee Kuan Yew,
presently Minister Mentor, is expected to shine the spotlight on
“India’s role in the big global picture.” Indicating this, Ambassador
Ong Keng Yong said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong would be the guest of
honour at the inaugural session. While Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong
would recall his long engagement with India, President S.R. Nathan had
also agreed to associate himself with the event.

Economic dimension

Mr. Ong said “the economic and trade dimension” would define the
Singapore event, in some contrast to the pervasive sense of “kinship”
that usually enlivened the annual shows in India itself.

‘PBD Singapore’ is open to both resident and non-resident Indians,
Indian-origin citizens of other countries, and also other foreigners
with a stake or interest in India. Official India would be represented
by Union Ministers Kamal Nath, Vayalar Ravi, Kapil Sibal and A. Raja.
Malaysia’s Human Resource Minister S. Subramaniam is another likely
participant.

Rajendra Kumar Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change, and China’s Special Representative for Climate Change
Yu Qingtai agreed to participate in the session on sustainable
development, being seen as the centrepiece of the thematic agenda.

Dedicated website

The SICCI has already launched a dedicated website http://www.pbdsingapore.com.sg
for the conference. Mr. Iyengar said the ongoing preparations helped to
“catalyse” the launching of the SICCI’s Representative Office in New
Delhi to cater for the long-term needs of small and medium
entrepreneurs. The SICCI India office could also serve as a portal for
‘PBD Singapore.’

New Microsoft browser lets you surf ‘InPrivate’

Anand Parthasarathy

Beta 2 of version IE8 offered for free download

BANGALORE: Like great minds thinking alike, the announcements of
‘Chrome,’ Google’s browser, and the latest — and eighth – ‘avatar’ of
Internet Explorer, the market leader in this application area, were
almost simultaneous last week.

And trust Microsoft to steal some of Google’s thunder by introducing
a feature which was one of its key additions to existing browser
features: privacy! The second beta or trial version of IE8 is available
for free download at www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/beta/ and it is a 16 MB file. A key feature is InPrivate.

In fact, Microsoft has applied for a trademark on the term, which
it explains as follows: “Computer programmes for disabling the history
of web cashing features of a web browser … and for notifying a user
of a web browser when others are tracking web use, and for controlling
the information others can access about such use.”

Simply put, it means the new IE enables its users to delete — what
Indian Finance Minister P. Chidambaram would call — an ‘audit trail’ of
their surfing — websites they visited and cookies they downloaded. If
they stumble on sites which try to snoop on their activities they are
warned and will be able to block such attempts.

It is too soon to fully evaluate the new browser offerings, but it
would seem at first glance that this feature in IE goes beyond what
might be on offer in Chrome in its Incognito feature.

Microsoft has also tweaked IE to cut the time and the number of
clicks to perform common tasks. It has quickened search by trying to
second guess what you are looking for even as you make every key
stroke. Visual elements have been integrated into basic search. The new
Explorer can be downloaded to all PCs running Windows Vista, Windows
Server 2003 or Windows XP which has been updated with Service Pack 3.

BANGALORE: Reacting to the surprise announcement by Google last week
of its own browser offering, named Chrome, the authoritative
‘Information Week’ wrote: “The desktop is dying. Long live the
browser.” And it is right on target.

The web’s search leader offers GMail, a web-based email service;
GoogleTalk, a web voice call and chat client; GoogleDocs, virtually an
office suite on the web; Orkut, a web social networking site, and
GoogleMaps, the ultimate tool to understand where on earth you stand
(literally!).

With Chrome, Google has virtually carpeted the average Internet
user’s entire span of experience and, more importantly, shifted
everything to the ‘Cloud’, a fashionable term for the enveloping cloud
of Net-based applications and services.

Chrome is available for free download with a button, the Google search engine ( www.google.com).
It is a fairly slim 7 MB download and the opening page is starkly
simple like all Google offerings. This can change fast because the page
is quickly populated — by you.

Different browser

Unlike other browsers, Chrome does not fill the page with default
offerings but uses most of the space for 9 window panes — the nine
pages you have visited most frequently in the past. To have web pages
download fast, Chrome’s development team, headed by Google’s
vice-president for Product Management, Sundar Pichai (a B.Tech from
IIT-Kharagpur and M.S. from Stanford University, U.S.) decided not to
reinvent the wheel, so to speak: it just took the Webkit rendering
engine used by Apple’s Safari browser. Ironically, there is no Chrome
version for Apple’s Mac PCs — yet, it works, now only with Windows.

In a videoconference briefing for The Hindu, from
his lab in Mountain View, California, Mr. Pichai explained that Chrome
was released as an Open Source project. This means the source code is
available for developers to build their own applications. The fruit of
two years work, Chrome does away with annoying pop-ups and dialogue
boxes; seamlessly integrates search and navigation functions and allows
users to surf “incognito” — erasing all trails of where they surfed.

Will satisfied users of Internet Explorer, Firefox or Opera shift to
Chrome? It remains to be seen; but if you are already a heavy user of
Google’s tools it might make good sense to put all your web-hatched
eggs in one big basket called Chrome!

In
the next 36 hours, the McCain campaign will be pouring millions of
dollars — if not tens of millions — into negative attack ads against Barack Obama.

Before John McCain
accepts the Republican nomination on Thursday, his campaign has to
spend every last dollar of primary funds they’ve raked in from
Washington lobbyists and special interest PACs.

Just yesterday, they aired a new negative ad in 14 swing states.
His campaign manager even admitted that all McCain has to rely on is
attacks, saying that for them, “This election is not about issues.”

He doesn’t want Americans to notice that the Republican platform is the most extreme we’ve ever seen — opposing stem cell research, denying a woman’s right to choose no matter what the circumstance, and continuing to spend $10 billion a month in Iraq.

With so much at stake, we can’t allow another election to be determined by petty and divisive political tactics.

The McCain campaign is trying to distract voters from the real issues
– so we’re going to focus on what they’re trying to hide.

They’ve come out against the life-saving possibilities of stem cell research.

They don’t even mention protecting equal pay for equal work.

They support huge tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% of Americans.

They’ve almost completely ignored the $10 billion we’re spending every month in Iraq.

And they make zero exceptions for a woman’s right to choose — even in
cases of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the mother.

If that all sounds like more of the same, that’s because it is. John
McCain is offering a third term of the disastrous Bush agenda, so it’s
no wonder his campaign would choose to focus on attacks instead of
issues.

I know we’ve asked a lot from supporters like you recently, and many of you contributed just last week.

But the stakes are high, and there are less than 9 weeks before Election Day. It’s going to require unprecedented resources to defeat John McCain and bring about the change America so desperately needs.

Thank you for all you do,

David

David Plouffe Campaign Manager Obama for America

Protecting our Homeland

“Incredibly,
security remains voluntary at (chemical) plants, despite strong
warnings from the 9/11 commission that a strike at just one of the
nation’s major plants could release chemicals capable of killing one
million people or more, according to Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. He and
Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., have introduced legislation that would
require plant owners to beef up security. The question is why President
Bush hasn’t been pushing for tougher measures all along.”

The Problem

Nearly
seven years after 9/11, our country is still unprepared for a terrorist
attack. From improving security for our transit systems and chemical
plants, to increasing cargo screening in our airports and seaports, the
recommendations of the 9/11 Commission have been underfunded and
ignored. The 9/11 Commission gave the government five F’s and twelve
D’s on the implementation of its recommendations. Senator Obama is a
member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Committee and has supported efforts to base homeland security spending
on risk rather than pork-barrel politics. He has also introduced
legislation to strengthen chemical plant and drinking water security
and to enhance disaster preparedness. As President, Senator Obama will
enhance our national resilience to any risk - natural, accidental or
terrorist - by ensuring the federal government works with States,
localities, and the private sector as an authentic partner in
prevention, mitigation, and response.

Barack Obama’s Plan

Protecting Our Chemical Plants

Chemical
plants are attractive terrorist targets because they are often located
near cities, are relatively easy to attack, and contain multi-ton
quantities of hazardous chemicals. While a number of plants have taken
voluntary steps to improve security, there are still major gaps; and
the federal government has never established meaningful, permanent
security regulations. Senator Obama worked with Senator Frank
Lautenberg (D-NJ) to introduce comprehensive chemical plant security
legislation that would establish a clear set of federal regulations
that all plants must follow. The bill requires chemical facilities to
enhance security, including improving barriers, containment,
mitigation, and safety training, and, where possible, using safer
technology, such as less toxic chemicals.

Keeping Track of Spent Nuclear Fuel

The
nation has 103 operating nuclear power plants which annually produce
over 2,000 metric tons of spent fuel that remains highly radioactive
for many years. A report by the Government Accountability Office found
inadequate tracking and security for spent nuclear fuel rods. Nuclear
plants in Connecticut, Vermont and California have reported missing
spent fuel in the last five years. Senator Obama introduced legislation
to establish guidelines for tracking, controlling, and accounting for
spent fuel at nuclear power plants.

Evacuating Special Needs Population in Emergencies

One
of the most devastating aspects of Hurricane Katrina is that most of
the stranded victims were society’s most vulnerable members -
low-income families, the elderly, the homeless, and disabled Americans.
Too many states and cities do not have adequate plans in place to care
for special-needs populations. Senator Obama introduced and passed
legislation to require mandatory planning for evacuating people with
special needs.

Reuniting Families After Emergencies

After
Hurricane Katrina, thousands of people struggled to contact family and
friends following evacuation. Evacuees were forced to comb through
dozens of databases in an effort to reconnect with loved ones. Senator
Obama introduced and passed legislation to create a centralized,
federal database to allow individuals displaced by an emergency to call
one phone number or go to one website and post their location and
condition. Family members and law enforcement officials would be able
to use this same secure, centralized system to check the status of
missing loved ones.

Keeping Our Drinking Water Safe

There
are almost 170,000 public water systems in the United States. An attack
on a drinking water system could contaminate or disrupt water service,
thereby disrupting society, impacting human health and compromising
critical activities such as fire protection. Senator Obama introduced
legislation to provide $37.5 million over 5 years for drinking water
systems to upgrade their monitoring and security efforts.

Protecting the Public from Radioactive Releases

Following
reports that nuclear power plants in Illinois did not promptly notify
local communities that tritium – a byproduct of nuclear generation –
had leaked into the groundwater, Senator Obama introduced legislation
to require nuclear plants to inform state and local officials if there
is an unintentional leak of a radioactive substance. Chronic exposure
to high levels of tritium can increase the risk of cancer, birth
defects and genetic damage.

Barack Obama’s Record

There
have been tritium leaks at other nuclear plants, though none so
extensive as at Braidwood. The uproar over Braidwood prompted the
Nuclear Energy Institute to outline a voluntary policy for monitoring
tritium leaks and reporting such incidents. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.)
has vowed to continue to push for federal legislation that requires
reporting. “The nuclear industry already had a voluntary policy, and it
hasn’t worked,” he said. Exelon’s past actions have helped to prove his
point.

— Chicago Tribune, Editorial, May 25, 2006

These Are the Highest Blessing

Buddha is a Title which means Buddhi (wisdom) with an Exalted, Blessed, Noble Awakened Mighty Great Mind with full of awareness. The Title which could be acquired by any one who practice the path shown by such an Exalted one for one’s own happiness and welfare and for all other sentient and non- sentient beings

We all want to be happy, but what sort of
life leads to happiness? The Mangala Sutta begins with a heavenly
being, a deva, asking the Buddha what might be the most auspicious
talisman leading to a happy life.

Mangala literally
means “protective amulet,” something you wear around your neck. The
Buddha cleverly twists the meaning of the word away from superstition
and into a discussion of living our lives in such a way that we abide
in accordance with truth, thus bringing protection and blessings into
our own lives and those around us. So what is the highest blessing?
What is the most perfect charm? What is the mantra that will always
protect us against everything? One can see that the question is loaded.

It’s
significant that this question comes from a deva. According to Buddhist
mythology, devas live in the heavenly realms where every sensual desire
is fulfilled.When the deva reports that devas “are concerned for
happiness and ever long for peace,” she is acknowledging that one
cannot free oneself from suffering through satisfying the myriad
sensual desires that may arise.

In our present day, we
may feel too sophisticated to wear a rabbit’s foot around our neck.
However, we may still put a lot of faith in the Dow Jones, real estate
values or sufficient insurance policies to protect ourselves, our
families and everything we own. The whole Department of Homeland
Security depends on putting our faith in security cameras and armed
guards—the hardware and science of protection. Yet deep inside, our
anxiety builds because we know that no piece of paper or camera can
prevent untoward events. How can we be sure we will be safe?

In
my work as a nurse, I notice people sometimes view following a healthy
lifestyle as a lucky charm. I’m going to eat right, do yoga, take
supplements, and nothing bad will ever happen to me. When people are
diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, they may be willing to
follow any regime, no matter how far out it might sound, as a way of
ensuring that they

will
get better. When we hear someone has died, we may try to distance
ourselves from our own inevitable demise by reflecting on aspects of
our lifestyle that keep us “safe.”We may think: “Well, she smoked, so
she got lung cancer. I don’t smoke, so I won’t get lung cancer. I’m
safe from that one!”

We are trying to control things in our
lives, everything.We are upset when life does not bend to our control.
That is the ordinary human experience without the Dhamma. We say to
ourselves: “I will do the research. I will do everything right, and it
should work. If it doesn’t, then I will sue.” This is how we respond to
dukkha in America: I’m suffering and someone must be to blame. It
doesn’t occur to us that there might be no one to blame, not even
ourselves. It might just be the nature of the way things are:
undependable, unworthy of our confidence, impermanent.

In
a way, we can use even meditation and spirituality like another lucky
charm. We may use our practice as a way of controlling a difficult
situation: I will practice metta and this problem person in my life
will stop saying troublesome things to me. We want to have some safety
or protection even though we really have no control over another
person’s behavior.

So what did the Buddha say about
staying safe, peaceful and happy? In brief, he said that sila, samadhi
and pañña are essential for living a blessed life. In other words, the
Mangala Sutta summarizes morality, concentration and wisdom; the entire
map of the Dhamma is revealed in relatively few words.

The Mangala Sutta

Thus have I heard that the Blessed One

Was staying at Savatthi,

Residing at the Jeta’s Grove

In Anathapindika’s park.

Then in the dark of the night, a radiant deva

Illuminated all Jeta’s Grove.

She bowed down low before the Blessed One

Then standing to one side she said:

“Devas are concerned for happiness

And ever long for peace.

The same is true for humankind.

What then are the

highest blessings?” “Avoiding those of foolish ways, Associating with the wise, And honoring those worthy of honor. These are the highest blessings. “Living in places of suitable kinds, With the fruits of past good deeds And guided by the rightful way. These are the highest blessings. “Accomplished in learning and craftsman’s skills, With discipline, highly trained, And speech that is true and pleasant to hear. These are the highest blessings. “Providing for mother and father’s support And cherishing family, And ways of work that harm no being, These are the highest blessings. “Giving with Dhamma in the heart, Offering help to relatives and kin, And acting in ways that leave no blame. These are the highest blessings. “Steadfast in restraint, and shunning evil ways, Avoiding intoxicants that dull the mind, And heedfulness in all things that arise. These are the highest blessings. “Respectfulness and of humble ways, Contentment and gratitude, And hearing the Dhamma frequently taught. These are the highest blessings. “Patience and willingness to accept one’s faults, Seeing venerated seekers of the truth, And sharing often the words of Dhamma. These are the highest blessings. “The Holy Life lived with ardent effort, Seeing for oneself the Noble Truths And the realization of Nibbana. These are the highest blessings. “Although involved in worldly ways, Unshaken the mind remains And beyond all sorrow, spotless, secure. These are the highest blessings. “They who live by following this path Know victory wherever they go, And every place for them is safe. These are the highest blessings.

Avoiding those of foolish ways.
Foolishness means not observing basic morality or the five precepts.
Conversely, we want to associate with the wise, or those who do observe
basic morality.

To honor those worthy of honor is to honor teachers, parents and monastics. The best way to give honor to them is to live according to the Dhamma.

Living in places of suitable kinds.
This refers to places made up of the fourfold assembly: monks, nuns,
laymen and laywomen. It also refers to places where the Buddha’s
teaching can be found.

With the fruits

of past good deeds.
The idea is that we will be born in a suitable place if we have good
kamma. It is assumed that we must have done something good to give us
the kamma to come in contact with the teachings in this lifetime.

Guided by the rightful way
means letting go of the unwholesome and cultivating good. This seems
pretty obvious, a real “no brainer,” but it is not always that obvious.
Ajahn Chah said that people want happiness but they never want to
create the causes of happiness. People don’t want suffering but they
love to create the causes of suffering. Even as you read these words
and think that they make sense, in only a few seconds you may create
the causes of suffering again. If you want to be protected, don’t put
yourself in situations where you will be vulnerable. If you don’t want
to get hit by a car, don’t try to walk across the freeway.

Accomplished in learning is to remember and consolidate the Buddha’s teaching. Craftman’s skills are
household arts and crafts, any work that’s not against the precepts.
“Houseless” skills would be working with the four requisites: i.e.,
gathering alms food, mending robes, cleaning the shelter, and caring
for one’s health.

With discipline highly trained.
The householders’ discipline is abstaining from the tenfold causes of
wrong action. The three bodily actions are killing, stealing and sexual
misconduct. The four verbal actions are lying, slandering, rude speech
and idle gossip. The three mental actions are covetousness, ill will
and false view.

Providing for mother and father’s support.
It is considered impossible to repay the support one is given by one’s
parents. This is because parents give birth to us, feed us and
introduce us to the world.

I was just with my mother, who recently had a hip replaced. Before going to see her, I had read a story of how
Ajahn Sumedho had rubbed his aged father’s feet. This seemed like a
wonderful way to acknowledge the debt to one’s parents, and I thought
my mother

might
also really appreciate a foot massage. Just like Ajahn Sumedho’s
father, she at first refused with a big “No.” Luckily, I had been
prepped by the ajahn’s story to persist even after being turned down.
“Well, okay, if you really want to,” my mother finally said, as if to
please me. In a little while, she seemed very happy to have her feet
massaged. There are things more easily communicated through touch than
through words.

Cherishing family means caring for
family with metta, karuna , mudita and upekkha and not indulging in
attachment or affection. Attachment leads to grief, and affection leads
to fear. In the Mangala Sutta, the Buddha lets us know how to relate
lovingly to one another. But we must remember that pain and sorrow come
from those who are dear to us. If something untoward happens to the one
we love, we suffer. This is why the Buddha encourages us to connect
through metta and karuna, loving kindness and compassion, rather than
the worldly ways of attachment and affection.

Work that harms no being.
This is work that brings no harm to yourself or others, work that
brings no mental confusion and also avoids disturbing others.

Giving with Dhamma in the heart is
cultivating nongreed and selflessness. Giving can mean both material
things and the Dhamma. The gift of the Dhamma far exceeds any other
material gift.

Offering help to relatives. This is not just familial relatives but the whole community.

Blameless actions. Once again, acting in ways consistent with the five precepts and right livelihood.

Steadfast in restraint. Seeing the danger in wrong-doing and restraining oneself.

Avoiding intoxicants that dull the mind. One cannot follow the precepts if one is intoxicated.

Now we are moving into the qualities that aid in the development of samadhi: heedfulness or constancy to stay with mindfulness.

Respectfulness and humble ways.
Don’t think you know the best way. Be open to the opinions of others.
Be content with the four requisites. Gratitude is a joy to the
heart.While one is fingeri

Patience is the supreme virtue. Willing to accept one’s faults.
Being at peace, open and willing to endure the effects of past wrong
actions.When we have done something unskillful, we must endure the
effects of these actions. There is no way to get away from the effects of past wrong action. Patiently enduring our kamma leads to maturity.

Seeing venerated seekers of the truth. Dassana can
mean “seeing” or “meeting.” The implication is to meet fully with
venerated seekers of the truth and respectfully and gratefully drink
deeply of the truth of the teachings.

Next comes the pañña section. For the holy life to be lived with ardent effort, self-restraint is necessary. Realizing the noble truths, realizing nibbana. There is a whole description of arahantship: unshaken the mind remains, beyond all sorrow, spotless, secure.

Wisdom
means understanding clearly how cause and effect works.An action that
is wholesome and beneficial is just that, and we should make every
effort to do it. Sometimes, a doubt arises.We worry that even though we
are doing something beneficial, perhaps we shouldn’t be doing it
because we are going to get caught up in a sense of self.What is
beneficial should be done. Getting “me” caught up in the mix is
something extra. We should work to avoid identifying with our actions,
but that doesn’t mean we should avoid doing what is wholesome and
beneficial.

In the Mangala Sutta, the Buddha declares
that all the actions, attitudes and realizations he exhorts in the
sutta are the highest blessings—all of them!

He is
telling us that we need it all. One could say that the Buddha begins
with sila and ends with liberation and that this sequencing implies
that the latter is far more important than the former.Yes, there is a
gradation from sila to pañña, and yet trying to realize liberation
without sila would be like saying that your skin is not very important
to your body.

If
you tried to live without your skin, you would see how important it is.
You need your skin, brain, heart, liver. All of its parts are essential
to a happy body. Someone might think that if nibbana is the most
important thing, then let’s just shoot for that. Forget about being
grateful and nice to people—that’s so tedious! But the Buddha tells us
that all of it is important. All of it is the highest blessing and
needs our attention and development.

Kathryn Guta is a long-term supporter of Abhayagiri Monastary. She has recently completed the CALM program and is a lay minister.

Baba Saheb Ambedkar, the prophet of Buddhism has said :——————————————————

1. The world history emphasises on this proposal that political revolutions have taken place after the social and religious revolutions. The following events prove this :

(I) After the Religious revolution of Lord Christ the Christians established their political power. THE CHRISTIAN SANGH CAME INTO EXISTENCE INTHE WORLD - CHURCHES ARE POWER CENTRES OF CHRISTIAN SANGH-through which thechristianity is ropagated throughout the world and in this way CHRISTIANEMPIRE goes forth on the earth.

(II) The religious reformative movement started by Luther Martin king was the political libration movement of the Europeans. The political freedomestablished due to this PURITONISM in the England.

(III) The religious movement also won the America’s freedom struggle. The Puritonism established the new world. By the motivation with the successof this movement,the Black people of America established their BLACK CHURCHESto gain their social and political rights - THESE CHURCHES ARE POWER CENTRES OFBLACKS SANGH - through which they got unprecedented success in every walk ofthe life. Luther Martin Kind -II and many other prominent persons were theproducts of these churches.

(IV) This is also true with the Islam. Before gaining the political power the ARABS were passed through the total religious revolution led by PROPHET MUHAMMAD.THE MUSLIM SANGH CAME INTO EXISTENCE IN THE WORLD - MOSQUES ARE POWERCENTRES OF MUSLIM SANGH- through which Islam is propagated world wide and inthis way ISLAMIC EMPIRE goes forth on the earth. The Muslim kings were theprotectors of the religion- they used to express their hearty gratitudetowards Prophet Muhammad by building grand mosques. They were loyal to theProphet and earnest to the religion.

(V) Likewise Guru Nanak had done social and religious revolution before the political revolution of the Sikhs. THE SIKH SANGH CAME INTO EXISTENCE INDIA -GURUDWARAS ARE POWER CENTRES OF SIKH SANGH. Due to the power of this Sangh theyare the ruler in Panjab state of India permanently.

2. Even the Indian history supports this thing too. Lord Buddha had produced religious revolution in India before the political revolutionstarted by CHANDRA GUPT MAURYA - BUDDHIST SANGH CAME INTO EXISTENCE IN THEWORLD - BUDHHA VIHARAS ARE POWER CENTRES OF BAUDDHA SANGH- through whichBuddhism is propagated across the world and in this way BUDDHIST EMPIRE goesforth on the earth.

3. Religion has three worldly aims ( Dhamma too ):

(I) To evolve the EMPIRE - that is why every religion is always ready for conversion.

(II) Ethics - Acting Right in coincidence with sacraments.

(III) Industry - to provide employment on large scale to their followers.4. The religion is always a source of might as well as political power. Therefore Baba Saheb gave us the way to be ruler by embracing Buddhism - CREATED OUR OWN SANGH - BUDDHA VIHARAS WILL BE POWER CENTERS OF OUR SANGH.Thus building Buddha Viharas is the only way to express our sincere gratitudetowards Baba Saheb. Thus BUDDHA VIHAR IS ESSENTIAL TO CARRY FORWARD BABASAHEB’S MISSION.

5. It is our loop ignorance that instead of building of our own Sangh , we are strengthning other’s Sangh day and night. And as a result, suffering from immense povery, atrocities and disrespect.

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BSP is friend of Muslims: Siddiqui

By Our Staff Reporter

Bhopal, Aug 31:
The Bahujan Samaj party Bhopal district President I S Maurya told that
Muslim brotherhood committee of the party on Sunday organised a meeting
in the premises of Government Higher Secondary Habibia School.

The
meeting was attended by Nasimuddin Siddiqui, a cabinet colleague of
Chief Minister Mayawati and national general secretary of Bahujan Samaj
Party.

Speaking
on the occasion, he aid that Rajeev Gandhi of Congress party had
ordered to open the lock of Babri mosque, which resulted riots between
Hindu and Muslim and the advantage was taken by the saffron BJP party.

He
said that political parties are using Muslims as their vote bank to
form their government, and once they come to power, they do nothing for
the Muslim population.

He
said that Bhartiya Janta Party formed its government in UP while making
false promise to build Ram temple, but they failed to keep the promise.

They have deceived people, he lambasted.

The
Bahujan Samaj Party has formed the government under the leadership of
Mayawati who has given equal participation to the members of Muslim
community.

The
only purpose of my life is to bring Muslim brothers and sisters to join
the party under leadership of BSP supremo Mayawati.

The
special guest of the meeting Dharma Prakash Bharatiya MLA and MP BSP in
charge told that BSP will form its Government in Dec 2008 and in Centre
in May 2009.

He is being fielded from Kama Assembly constituency, said BSP general secretary Dharamveer Singh Ashok to reporters.

Yashwant Ramu, former independent MLA has been given ticket from
Nadbai seat. Shashi Dutta, former minister in Shekhawat government, and
former MLA Bhanjibhai have been given the tickets from Hindon and
Banswara Assembly seats respectively.

The list of remaining 45 Assembly constituencies would be declared soon, said Ashok.

The names of two sitting BSP MLAs, Murarilal Meena of Bandikui
constituency and Suresh Meena of Karauli constituency, does not figure
in the list.

Financial assistance for 100 more madrassas in UP

Lucknow : The Uttar Pradesh government is considering providing
financial assistance to 100 more madrassas, according to informed
sources.

Chief Minister Mayawati is likely to soon approve a grant of Rs.180
million (Rs.18 crore) for 100 seminaries in the state, they said.

At present, there are 360 seminaries that are financially assisted
by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) government. Annually, the government
spends around Rs.1.15 billion (Rs.115 crore) on these madrassas.

Noted Muslim clerics met Mayawati July 2 and urged her to include more seminaries on the grant list.

“It is heartening for us that Mayawati has paid heed to our demands
and is considering to allocate budget for more seminaries,” Maulana
Khalid Rasheed Firangi Maheli, naib imam of Eidgah Aishbagh, told IANS
Monday.

The move will uplift Muslim educational standards, he said.

Uttar Pradesh has over 1,900 madrassas recognised by the state
Madrassa Education Board. Around 170,000 students study in these
seminaries - the figure being highest among all Indian states.

Majority of these madrassas are dependent on the funds raised by Muslims.

Deve Gowda upbeat about Third Front

Special Correspondent

Deve Gowda

LUCKNOW: Janata Dal (Secular) president and former Prime Minister
H.D. Deve Gowda on Monday said the Third Front would take shape before
the next Lok Sabha elections. Mr. Gowda said there was no option,
before the parties opposed to the policies of the Congress and the
Bharatiya Janata Party, but to come on a common platform. He said a
political alternative was a certainty before the next general elections.

Addressing a regional convention of the Uttar Pradesh unit of the
JD(S) here, he lauded Chief Minister Mayawati and the people of the
State for giving a stable government after a gap of 17 years. Stating
that the agriculture sector was on the verge of collapse, Mr. Gowda
said the BJP and the Congress were committed to the western economic
policies and they would not change them as they were under U.S.
pressure.

He said the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the
Manmohan Singh government claimed that considerable progress had been
made, but the fact was that there was all-round deterioration.

Mr. Gowda said the recent World Bank report revealed that poverty
and unemployment increased and migration to cities become more marked
after the farm sector crisis.

He said malnutrition and farmers’ suicide had emerged as major
problem areas with 52 per cent of the population under-nourished and
suffering from poverty. He warned that the country might soon face the
problem of food security.

Unless the economic policies were revised, the farm sector would not
be able to progress, Mr. Deve Gowda said. He slammed the government for
ignoring the rural sector and said U.S.-dictated policies could not be
a solution to the problems confronting the country.

He assailed the Orissa and UPA governments for their failure to
control the situation in Orissa, where “Christians have been subjected
to attacks.”

On the Amarnath land controversy, Mr. Gowda said the moves of some
parties to separate Jammu and the Kashmir valley now threatened to
divide the nation.

Talking to reporters after the convention, Mr. Gowda reiterated his
support to Ms. Mayawati as leader of the Third Front. Since it had not
yet taken shape, the issue of leadership would be decided by the
leaders of the Left and other parties. “The Janata Dal (S) is not a big
force,” he stated.

Mr. Deve Gowda said he had told all the leaders that the front must
address the sufferings of the masses. He refused to comment on the
Samajwadi Party president and “old friend” Mulayam Singh joining hands
with the Congress.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (Hindi: बहुजन समाज पार्टी) represents Original Inhabitants of Jambudvipa, that is the Great Prabuddha Bharath persons. In the 14th Lok Sabha (1999-2004) it had 17 members. The BSP is strongest in Uttar Pradesh, whose government the party has led several times. The party’s political symbol is an elephant.

BARACK OBAMA’S PLAN TO SECURE AMERICA AND RESTORE OUR STANDING

“I
am running for President of the United States to lead this country in a
new direction… Instead of being distracted from the most pressing
threats that we face, I want to overcome them. Instead of pushing the
entire burden of our foreign policy on to the brave men and women of
our military, I want to use all elements of American power to keep us
safe, and prosperous, and free. Instead of alienating ourselves from
the world, I want America – once again – to lead…

This must be
the moment when we answer the call of history. For eight years, we have
paid the price for a foreign policy that lectures without listening;
that divides us from one another – and from the world – instead of
calling us to a common purpose; that focuses on our tactics in fighting
a war without end in Iraq instead of forging a new strategy to face
down the true threats that we face. We cannot afford four more years of
a strategy that is out of balance and out of step with this defining
moment.”

Barack Obama’s Plan

Iran

The Problem: Iran has sought nuclear weapons, supports militias inside Iraq and terror across the region, and its leaders
threaten Israel and deny the Holocaust. But Obama believes that we have not exhausted our non-military
options in confronting this threat; in many ways, we have yet to try them. That’s why Obama stood up to
the Bush administration’s warnings of war, just like he stood up to the war in Iraq.

Opposed Bush-Cheney Saber Rattling: Obama opposed the Kyl-Lieberman amendment, which says we should use our military presence in Iraq
to counter the threat from Iran. Obama believes that it was reckless for Congress to give George Bush any
justification to extend the Iraq War or to attack Iran. Obama also introduced a resolution in the Senate
declaring that no act of Congress – including Kyl-Lieberman – gives the Bush administration authorization
to attack Iran.

Diplomacy: Obama is the only major candidate who supports tough, direct presidential diplomacy with Iran without
preconditions. Now is the time to pressure Iran directly to change their troubling behavior. Obama would
offer the Iranian regime a choice. If Iran abandons its nuclear program and support for terrorism, we will
offer incentives like membership in the World Trade Organization, economic investments, and a move
toward normal diplomatic relations. If Iran continues its troubling behavior, we will step up our economic
pressure and political isolation. Seeking this kind of comprehensive settlement with Iran is our best way to
make progress.

Renewing American Diplomacy

The Problem: The United States is trapped by the Bush-Cheney approach to diplomacy that refuses to talk to leaders we
don’t like. Not talking doesn’t make us look tough – it makes us look arrogant, it denies us opportunities
to make progress, and it makes it harder for America to rally international support for our leadership. On
challenges ranging from terrorism to disease, nuclear weapons to climate change, we cannot make progress
unless we can draw on strong international support.

Talk to our Foes and Friends: Obama is willing to meet with the leaders of all nations, friend and foe. He will do the careful preparation
necessary, but will signal that America is ready to come to the table, and that he is willing to lead. And if
America is willing to come to the table, the world will be more willing to rally behind American leadership to
deal with challenges like terrorism, and Iran and North Korea’s nuclear programs.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Obama will make progress on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a key diplomatic priority. He will make a
sustained push – working with Israelis and Palestinians – to achieve the goal of two states, a Jewish state in
Israel and a Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security.

Expand our Diplomatic Presence: To make diplomacy a priority, Obama will stop shuttering consulates and start opening them in the tough
and hopeless corners of the world – particularly in Africa. He will expand our foreign service, and develop
the capacity of our civilian aid workers to work alongside the military.

Fight Global Poverty: Obama will embrace the Millennium Development Goal of cutting extreme poverty around the world in
half by 2015, and he will double our foreign assistance to $50 billion to achieve that goal. He will help the
world’s weakest states to build healthy and educated communities, reduce poverty, develop markets, and
generate wealth.

Strengthen NATO: Obama will rally NATO members to contribute troops to collective security operations, urging them to
invest more in reconstruction and stabilization operations, streamlining the decision-making processes, and
giving NATO commanders in the field more flexibility.

Seek New Partnerships in Asia: Obama will forge a more effective framework in Asia that goes beyond bilateral agreements, occasional
summits, and ad hoc arrangements, such as the six-party talks on North Korea. He will maintain strong ties
with allies like Japan, South Korea and Australia; work to build an infrastructure with countries in East Asia
that can promote stability and prosperity; and work to ensure that China plays by international rules.

Nuclear Weapons

A Record of Results: The gravest danger to the American people is the threat of a terrorist attack with a nuclear weapon and
the spread of nuclear weapons to dangerous regimes. Obama has taken bipartisan action to secure nuclear
weapons and materials:

He joined Senator Dick Lugar in passing a law to help the United States and our allies detect and stop the
smuggling of weapons of mass destruction throughout the world.

He joined Senator Chuck Hagel to introduce a bill that seeks to prevent nuclear terrorism, reduce global
nuclear arsenals, and stop the spread of nuclear weapons.

And while other candidates have insisted that we should threaten to drop nuclear bombs on terrorist
training camps, Obama believes that we must talk openly about nuclear weapons – because the best way
to keep America safe is not to threaten terrorists with nuclear weapons, it’s to keep nuclear weapons away
from terrorists.

Secure Loose Nuclear Materials from Terrorists: Obama will secure all loose nuclear materials in the world within four years. While we work to secure
existing stockpiles of nuclear material, Obama will negotiate a verifiable global ban on the production of
new nuclear weapons material. This will deny terrorists the ability to steal or buy loose nuclear materials.

Strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty: Obama will crack down on nuclear proliferation by strengthening the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty so
that countries like North Korea and Iran that break the rules will automatically face strong international
sanctions.

Toward a Nuclear Free World: Obama will set a goal of a world without nuclear weapons, and pursue it. Obama will always maintain a
strong deterrent as long as nuclear weapons exist. But he will take several steps down the long road toward
eliminating nuclear weapons. He will stop the development of new nuclear weapons; work with Russia to
take U.S. and Russian ballistic missiles off hair trigger alert; seek dramatic reductions in U.S. and Russian
stockpiles of nuclear weapons and material; and set a goal to expand the U.S.-Russian ban on intermediate-
range missiles so that the agreement is global.

Bipartisanship and Openness

The Problem: Under the Bush administration, foreign policy has been used as a political wedge issue to divide us – not as
a cause to bring America together. And it is no coincidence that one of the most secretive administrations
in history has pursued policies that have been disastrous for the American people. Obama strongly believes
that our foreign policy is stronger when Americans are united, and the government is open and candid with
the American people.

A Record of Bringing People Together: In the Senate, Obama has worked with Republicans and Democrats to advance important policy initiatives
on securing weapons of mass destruction and conventional weapons, increasing funding for nonproliferation,
and countering instability in Congo.

Consultative Group: Obama will convene a bipartisan Consultative Group of leading members of Congress to foster better
executive-legislative relations and bipartisan unity on foreign policy. This group will be comprised of the
congressional leadership of both political parties, and the chair and ranking members of the Armed Services,
Foreign Relations, Intelligence, and Appropriations Committees. This group will meet with the president
once a month to review foreign policy priorities, and will be consulted in advance of military action.

Getting Politics out of Intelligence: Obama would insulate the Director of National Intelligence from political pressure by giving the DNI a
fixed term, like the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. Obama will seek consistency and integrity at the top
of our intelligence community – not just a political ally.

Change the Culture of Secrecy:
Obama will reverse President Bush’s policy of secrecy. He will
institute a National Declassification Center to make declassification
secure but routine, efficient, and cost-effective.

Engaging the American People on Foreign Policy: Obama will bring foreign policy decisions directly to the people by requiring his national security officials
to have periodic national broadband town hall meetings to discuss foreign policy. He will personally deliver
occasional fireside chats via webcast.

On Israel

Ensure a Strong U.S.-Israel Partnership:
Barack Obama strongly supports the U.S.-Israel relationship, believes
that our first and incontrovertible commitment in the Middle East must
be to the security of Israel, America’s strongest ally in the Middle
East. Obama supports this closeness, stating that that the United
States would never distance itself from Israel.

Support Israel’s Right to Self Defense:
During the July 2006 Lebanon war, Barack Obama stood up strongly for
Israel’s right to defend itself from Hezbollah raids and rocket
attacks, cosponsoring a Senate resolution against Iran and Syria’s
involvement in the war, and insisting that Israel should not be
pressured into a ceasefire that did not deal with the threat of
Hezbollah missiles. He believes strongly in Israel’s right to protect
its citizens.

Support Foreign Assistance to Israel:
Barack Obama has consistently supported foreign assistance to Israel.
He defends and supports the annual foreign aid package that involves
both military and economic assistance to Israel and has advocated
increased foreign aid budgets to ensure that these funding priorities
are met. He has called for continuing U.S. cooperation with Israel in
the development of missile defense systems.

On Africa

Obama’s Record:
As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Barack Obama has
fought to focus America’s attention on the challenges facing Africa –
stopping the genocide in Darfur, passing legislation to promote
stability in the Congo and to bring a war criminal to justice in
Liberia, mobilizing international pressure for a just government in
Zimbabwe, fighting corruption in Kenya, demanding honesty on HIV/AIDS
in South Africa, developing a coherent strategy for stabilizing
Somalia, and travelling across the continent raising awareness for
these critical issues. He has also increased America’s focus on the
long term challenges of education, poverty reduction, disease,
strengthening democratic institutions and spurring sustainable economic
development in Africa.

Stop the Genocide in Darfur:
As president, Obama will take immediate steps to end the genocide in
Darfur by increasing pressure on the Sudanese and pressure the
government to halt the killing and stop impeding the deployment of a
robust international force. He will hold the government in Khartoum
accountable for abiding by its commitments under the Comprehensive
Peace Accord that ended the 30 year conflict between the north and
south. Obama worked with Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) to pass the
Darfur Peace and Accountability Act in 2006.

Fight Poverty:
Obama will double our annual investment in foreign assistance from $25
billion in 2008 to $50 billion by the end of his first term and make
the Millennium Development Goals, which aim to cut extreme poverty in
half by 2015, America’s goals. He will fully fund debt cancellation for
Heavily Indebted Poor Countries in order to provide sustainable debt
relief and invest at least $50 billion by 2013 for the global fight
against HIV/AIDS, including our fair share of the Global Fund.

Expand Prosperity:
Obama will expand prosperity by establishing an Add Value to
Agriculture Initiative, creating a fund that will extend seed capital
and technical assistance to small and medium enterprises, and reforming
the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. He will launch the
Global Energy and Environment Initiative to ensure African countries
have access to low carbon energy technology and can profitably
participate in the new global carbon market so as to ensure solid
economic development even while the world dramatically reduces its
greenhouse gas emissions. Obama will also strengthen the African Growth
and Opportunity Act to ensure that African producers can access the
U.S. market and will encourage more American companies to invest on the
continent.

On Latin America & the Caribbean

The Problem:
George Bush’s policy in the Americas has been negligent toward our
friends, ineffective with our adversaries, disinterested in the
challenges that matter in people’s lives, and incapable of advancing
our interests in the region. As the Americas have changed, we have sat
on the sideline, offering no compelling vision and creating a vacuum
for demagogues to advance an anti-American agenda.

Start a New Chapter of Engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean:
Obama will rebuild diplomatic links throughout the hemisphere through
aggressive, principled, and sustained diplomacy in the Americas from
Day One. He will bolster U.S. interests in the region by pursuing
policies that advance democracy, opportunity, and security and will
treat our hemispheric partners and neighbors with dignity and respect.

Promote Democracy in Cuba and Throughout the Hemisphere:
Barack Obama will support democracy that is strong and sustainable in
the day to day lives of the people of the Americas. In the case of
Cuba, he will empower our best ambassadors of freedom by allowing
unlimited Cuban-American family travel and remittances to the island.
Using aggressive and principled bilateral diplomacy he will also send
an important message: if a post-Fidel government takes significant
steps toward democracy, beginning with freeing all political prisoners,
the U.S. is prepared to take steps to normalize relations and ease the
embargo that has governed relations between our countries for the last
five decades. Throughout the hemisphere, Obama will increase support
for the building blocks of durable democracies—strong legislatures,
independent judiciaries, free press, vibrant civil society, honest
police forces, religious freedom, and the rule of law.

Work Towards Energy Security:
Barack Obama will bring together the countries of the region in a new
Energy Partnership for the Americas to forge a path toward sustainable
growth and clean energy. He will call on the American people to join
this effort through an Energy Corps of engineers and scientists who
will go to the region and beyond to help develop clean energy
solutions.

Advance Opportunity from the Bottom-up:
Obama will substantially increase our aid to the Americas and embrace
the Millennium Development Goal of cutting extreme poverty around the
world in half by 2015, and he will double our foreign assistance to $50
billion to achieve that goal.

Trade Policy That Works for All People in All Countries:
Obama believes that trade with foreign nations should strengthen the
American economy and create more American jobs. He will stand firm
against agreements that undermine our economic security and will use
trade agreements to spread good labor and environmental standards
around the world.

Advance Security Across the Region:
Obama believes that we need to target all sources of insecurity through
a new hemispheric security initiative. This initiative will foster
cooperation within the region to combat gangs, trafficking and violent
criminal activity. It will strive to find the best practices that work
across the hemisphere, and to tailor approaches to fit each country.

True leadership means finding the balance we have lost. It may thus come down to this question: What would Buddha The Mighty Great Mind do?

Gautama Buddha: Human Religion and Peace

Dr. Ravindra Kumar - 9/16/2007

A
consideration has been continuing since utmost early stage of human
life. The consideration is regarding controlling others. A person wants
to keep him or herself in a higher position in comparison to others.
This factor has been responsible for disintegration of society. Many
nations faced degradation on this accord. A person forgets that he
cannot be master of others. He is master of self only. Sooner or later,
we shall have to admit and adopt the concept of equality and it
indicates friendliness. Lord Gautama Buddha preached this in times past:

That
is: Man is himself his master. No other one can be his master. Hard
earned mastership is gained only after sublimating oneself adequately.Lord
Buddha was in favor of equality amongst all human beings. ‘Man’ or
‘woman’, all were equal for him. There was no caste or class in his
vocabulary. He was not only deadly against the words - master and
slave; he struggled during whole of his life to eliminate them. It was
during this struggle that he established human religion based on
equality in order to ensure that all may tread path of peace. He wished
that no one should exploit any other. All must control themselves. We
must give up desire to become masters: such a desire is false and
should be given up heartily.

There has been a tendency in human
society to control others or to keep others as slaves. This tendency
has been there since quite long. The tendency has been at all levels:
personal, social and national. It was on this account that not only
human blood was shed in personal, social or national struggles but
societies were also disintegrated. The existence of humanity was
challenged and its peace was disturbed.

Lord Gautama Buddha
induced human-beings to know his reality. He did not permit concealment
of innumerable evils that emerge from policy of non-equality. He
stressed perpetual need of equality based on affection and
friendliness. This was propounded by him as Human Religion. It is a
remedy to all problems. He initiated a non-violent
movement-cum-revolution against mastership spirit of human beings. A
particular class had been keeping its all-out hold on society. This
class had been prescribing false and selfish rules again and again.
Human society was being made fearful of God in order to achieve selfish
goals. Lord Buddha alerted this class and stated:

“These persons
believe in one God. We can be up to that God only through them. The
Human Beings can enter ‘Pawana Pawananam’ only after their permission.”It
was, as such, made mandatory for people to offer them things in form of
Dakshina. They were required to worship them and to be on the way shown
by them. They were as a way asked to give all of theirs to them.

“This
tendency of such persons in World-history is like that of a beastly
thirsty and hungry lion. This is actually the nature of people who
consider themselves born to exploit others. These persons prescribe and
manage thousands of regulations.”

He said: “They are motivated
to establish their hold on society. They want control on the people in
any deliberate manner. They describe simple regulations in a complex
way so as to keep their position intact. They produce stories before
people for this very purpose. The stories are enframed in a way so as
to get their doctrines confirmed. Thereafter, they combine these
stories with human service pertaining to others so that people may
remain obedient out of fear. How sweet the dream shown by them is -
they say - in case a person wants to flourish in his life and wishes to
be in heaven after death, he can expect so only through them. The
people shall have to perform various rituals and rites etc. in
accordance with the path shown by them. They have made life so unreal
and complex. They have made mind so perplexed that life cannot go on
adequately - this can be straightforwardly stated. A man can learn
nothing except dissatisfaction. This is like reducing a man in a state
of idiotness after intoxicating him very gravely.”

Gautama
Buddha came forward to save human society from these rites and false
rituals etc. He said…. A man shall get welfare in proportion to his
being away from these vices….. Lord Buddha accorded such a warning
against the class that was arbitrary. Distressed people at large at
once comprehended that. They put their attention to what he said. Lord
Buddha continued struggle against the class dominating since centuries
in a broad perspective - this class was exploiting human society
arbitrarily. He achieved victory ultimately. Human religion based on
equality could spread itself and the concept of peace could find its
way.

That class in Buddhist era was in favor of policy of
inequality in humanity through false rituals or regulations etc. The
people belonging to this class were not in favor of equality to all. A
spirit of fear was forced unto people’s mind through attractive things
like God, or Heaven. These things were done by the so called higher
class. A particular class was not permitted to exercise rites,
activities pertaining to education or to perform rituals. Behaviour
towards them was worse than that towards animals. The people belonging
to this class were called Shudras.

All know that it was
prescribed…. no Shudra should get even a word of Vedas in to his
ears. If so happens in any eventuality molten lead must be poured into
his ears. This class could not reside with other classes. The persons
belonging to this class were refused to eat with, keep company or sit
with persons of other classes. This class was without rights. The
position of this class in society was next to animals. Lives belonging
to this class were dedicated to one aim: this aim was to remain
subordinate to the will of other classes and to do whatever people of
other classes would want. A person belonging to Shudra class could only
breathe as per their indications.Ultimately, Gautama Buddha could
not tolerate this all. He perused ghastly sin in this policy of
inequality. He had acquired intellect and energy. His heart was as open
as the open sky. He observed the extent of unjustness in those who were
leading the people. He could also realize a feeling of glory in them
along with their unjust power. Afterwards, Lord Buddha opened his mouth
fiercely and cleared the way to human society through compassion and
affection. Gautama did not want to force any right on anyone.

He
intended to break spiritual and mental obstructions pertaining to
humanity. It was for this reason that open hearted Buddha suggested
ways and means to salvation and liberty to those persons who were
downtrodden and devoid of rights. He suggested simple ways and means
through his exquisite intellect.Lord Buddha could know the real
reasons that aggrieve us. He searched a way to put an end to agonies.
He collected the treasure of all solutions in his great mind and
thereafter opened that way equally for all without any distinction. He
was a master. He inspired all to gain “Sambodhi” peace. Such a person,
Lord Buddha, was-an inspirator who was peaceful, one who sermoned human
religion and who could accord liberation. He said:

It means - No one is Brahmin by birth. No one is low. A man is Brahmin or low as per his deeds.

Mahatma
Buddha, who accepted the doctrine of “Karma Shreshtha”, achieved a
victory by stipulating human beings as equal in struggle between
priests or saints and then Lord Buddha paved an easy way that was for
emancipation of humanity. It has been described in Lord Christ’s
‘Sermons on the Mount’ as well as in the Gita. The priestly or saintly
class had negated it. This class had adopted the diction pertaining to
“great by birth and position by fate”. They had expressed that no truth
could be known by simple or straightforward way. These people used to
talk about 2000 hells and heavens and public in general was dreadful of
them. These people used to suggest that salvation of public was
possible only through the ways prescribed by them. Only then they will
get entry in to heaven or shall have to suffer hell.

Innumerable
persons of society were in want of knowledge vividly. The sphere of
Vedas had been made limited and mysterious. The human society was
chained to misbeliefs and deceptions. Lord Buddha gave the message to
human society of leading life through non-violence, compassion,
affection and intellectual ingredients. Non-violence, compassion and
affection are true and fundamental assumptions. These assumptions are
sacred and non-complex. They are mighty basis of human religion. Lord
Buddha adopted these basic assumptions in his sermons. His sermons were
grasped by people in general very soon.Behavior of Lord Buddha was
simple but that of equality. His language was that of a common man. His
tongue became sacred on this account for all: educated &
non-educated or rich and poor. Undoubtedly, Lord Buddha raised the
voice of perpetual compassion and peace on this earth which was
suffering and was under duress. He visualized agony and its cause. He
clarified sacrifice and saintliness of high order. He gave truthfulness
of indifferent order, welfare of others and sublimity to human
character. These were means to liberation. He made people understand
the factors behind disasters and cause of agonies. He stated that
whenever there is some grief or disaster, we must clearly understand
that there is certainly some evil within ourselves. As such, we must
know both “Samvrattik” and “Pramarthik” truths.

Lord Gautama Buddha advised people to ponder over their shortcomings and said:“We
very easily see a defect in others. It is difficult to see any
shortcomings unto self”. A man spreads shortcomings of his neighbors
like straw whereas he tends to hide any shortcomings unto self. The
truthfulness of life lies in the fact that a man should examine his own
shortcomings and causes of agony.Lord Buddha dedicated himself to
eradicate many evils including that of finding faults with others. He
also conveyed a message about absolute integrity through non-struggle
device. He stressed upon understanding the reality of this life without
any discrimination. His message was for all. Human equality was not
only a message of his religion: it was also an all-sided basis.

Morality
is integrally connected with humanity. In case it is separated from
humanity, it shall be a social irony. It so happened in the time of
Lord Buddha; morality was out of scene. Free inspiration regarding
development was under deep pressure. The class which was required to be
a source of inspiration became instigator of darkness in society as per
their deeds. The people of this class began to accord unfair claims on
power and privileges. A person from this class could even murder
someone and was not liable to be punished. Anyone born in a home
belonging to this class automatically controlled other persons. A
person of this class was worthy of reverence even if he was
characterless. Such were the dictums. A person belonging to that class
could commit a sinful act and even then he was patron of religion along
with being representative of God. A Shudra was not authorized to
worship freely unto Almighty even if he carried out sublime activities.
Such were the moral circumstances. Lord Buddha said on this very
account:

“Those cannot be learned who cannot control themselves.
They cannot be full of wisdom, who do not make themselves fit according
to their education. Those cannot be learned people who cannot engage
themselves in sublime activities.”In his own words:

It
means - first of all, we should engage ourselves at adequate actions
and it is only after that we may accord sermons to others. The learned
man can be without disaster only by doing so. He also said:

It
means that we should upkeep our conduct in accordance with the sermons
which we are scheduled to pass over to others. We must first control
ourselves and only then we should say to others. It is very difficult
to control own self. This is a reality. This was a simple but real
message of Gautama Buddha. This was amazing and sadly that the
regulations framed by a specific class were symbolical of injustice.
They were only to sub dice the Shudras. These rules had no need or
utility. Truth is ubiquity to us. Why can we not approach a truth
straightforwardly? In case God is true, the way to Him should be
straightforward. Why God and man cannot meet each other in a direct
manner?

Persons indulging themselves in evil deeds hide
themselves from God under the pretext of religion and its epitaphs. The
nature of truthful God cannot be such that someone should be meddling
between Him and a human being. When God is real, such distinctions
cannot be spiritual and cannot constitute a religion. Only a class
cannot be worthy of truthfulness. Why should not people in general be
capable of that? All these questions were before Lord Buddha. He
announced these queries and said:

“In case it is so, Man does not need such deliberate truth, religion or spirituality, He should refuse such a false conduct.”

Lord
Buddha negated the unreality of rituals and he held that a society must
have clean and developed moral standards because if the moral position
of society is inferior [as it was then in human society], any force
shall lead only to disaster. Resultantly, political situation shall
also be degrading. All evils including causing grief, misutilization,
corruption and arbitrariness that can break society shall flourish. In
such a situation, the politics shall also be such that will fully
turmoil human values. In contradiction, the mental plane of people
shall be selfless in case there is adequate moral force in society. The
life shall be based on equality and it shall be simple. It will be real
and peaceful. Political situation shall also be accessible. It shall be
leading to progress. Lord Buddha found society ‘devoid of moral
values’. He also found monarchy to be center of misdeeds. Even then he
did not attack any religious dogma. He permitted others also to equally
march forward.

Subsequently, he took upon himself those people
in general who were exploited and did not possess rights. He took
society towards a simple, practical and real objective.

Lord
Buddha did not wish to gain power. He did not need to prescribe complex
regulations. He had no reason to impart education of might to his
followers. He was well acquainted with the amazing weaknesses of so
called priests. He knew that it was essential in this world to take a
human being to a right path. He did this all as a brave warrior and a
person of the era who was really mighty. He stressed on human religious
establishments and said:“A hungry person cannot have religion and
action. We shall have to fulfill his want in order to get religion and
action unto him. As such we cannot control anger also in someone by
making him without a want.”

He emphasized that it is the
religion of a human being to understand first the reality of life. This
is the religion of a good order. One who cannot foresee and adopt good
religion lives uselessly a life of 100 years. A life of a day is good
in case it is full of knowledge of good religion. It means that a
person has become familiar with reality of life. In his own words:

Why
after all there is agony in our life. Mahatma Buddha considered it. He
deliberated and said: “Because we are full of selfishness; we are
narrow-minded in our thoughts. We work in selfishness. We aspire for
personal pleasures and amenities.”

He also said: “We forget
humanity while doing so. Result of all these things is bound to be
agony. Then what to do? Should we give up soul? Should we consider that
there is no rule of God and this deceiving world is at rule? We observe
only this world directly. There is no element like soul after the cycle
of Birth and Death. It is all a notion. A science subsequently follows
other. Every science gets existence within a moment. That very moment
that one becomes out of scene. A significant thing is that there is no
scientist of science. As such, there is no soul. Body undergoes changes
every time. Consciousness and intellect also change in the same manner.
As such, soul is dubious dogma which we cherish. Selfishness occurs
when we try to remain attached to this dubious spirit of soul. This is
the truth. As such, we can be gay if we realize the truth that there is
no soul.”

Not only that, we shall render happiness unto others.
This was Lord Buddha’s logical sermon. He himself spent his life in
accordance with this sermon.Lord Buddha stressed on compassion
towards every living being and not only towards man. He questioned: “In
case it is good to sacrifice an animal as per slaying, it shall be
better to utilize a person in this regard.”

He offered himself
for such a sacrifice. He considered animal - sacrifice to be very
disastrous belief which was irrational. Lord Buddha said all this
emphatically. He prescribed that all are slaves equally to deed and
result. What shall be the justification of creation of Universe in case
we do not stick to the rule of result as per deed? He refused that
ruler is there in some heaven. That ruler may rule as per his wish and
may leave us here to suffer agonies.

According to him: “It is
all a lie. Our whole life is perpetual disaster. There is no use of
exercising false rituals and different rites etc.”

Lord Buddha
prescribed that there is only one ideal in the World. All
religious-rites are false. We have to discard attachment. After that,
only truth shall be in balance. Sun will shine when clouds shall not be
there. Do not work towards any misbelief and adopt this principle in
total. Sacrifice in real spirit even for the lowest creature. Do not
work to please someone or to have an award. Work in order to get
salvation through demise of soul. He also said:“Do not accord regards and worship someone about whom you are ignorant.”Really,
Lord Buddha opposed the regulations that were framed for selfish ends
on the ground of deceptions and misendeavorers. Inhumanity,
beastliness, poverty and exploitation were the forces of these
regulations. These regulations had combined Soul and God. Humanity was
destroyed. As such, he undertook real deliberations and explained
agony, its cause, its remedy and the ways that were required for this
purpose. This explanation grasps the basic tenets of humanity. He
called upon to remove the obstacles in the practical aspect of these
doctrines through eight middle ways. Middle way i.e., to come out of
extreme harshness and simpleness that is not possible.Eight ways are:

Mahatma
Buddha is a champion of equality. As such, his religion is
human-religion. This is directly connected with humanity. Non-violence,
Compassion, Sacrifice, alliance, that is friendliness and peace are
integrally associated with it.

These are all fundamental and
best grounds of human-equality. Above mentioned ingredients must be
practiced as far as possible. This will lead to establishment of a
human society based on equality. Our way to peace shall be in broader
sight.

Lord Buddha considered behavior to be the foremost. He
was one who equated a principle with practice. He was a preacher of a
clan in which preachers make a truth, a perfect truth. He presented a
burning example while investigating Truth. We shall have to be aware of
prime reason behind the calamities that render sufferings unto whole of
human-world today. We have ourselves nourished all disasters as per
selfishness unto us.Our old ailment is that of human-distinction.
This will have to be finished at all planes: personal, national and
international. Spirit of inequality at all levels is basic reason
behind evil and turmoil.

The way shown by Lord Buddha is clear.
He does not at all compromise with so called priests. He has no
attachment with those with might or with rulers. He does not cherish a
man to be a means to misconduct. Lord Buddha did not cherish that a
human-being should stop before traditions based on the misbeliefs: to
whatever extent old they might be. He did not want that a person should
adopt rituals that have been continuing since very long in case they
happen to be the means of exploitation. He only wants equal welfare of
every human-being. This is also predominantly significant and
contextual today. We shall make our lives meaningless if we follow the
policy of human-exploitation being guided by and having within
ourselves spirit of inequality. This is the sermon of Lord Buddha. This
is the essence of his peace-oriented human religion.

Dr.
Ravindra Kumar is a universally renowned Gandhian scholar, Indologist
and writer. He is the Former Vice-Chancellor of University of Meerut.